Residents in the Powell River region still have an opportunity to have their voices and ideas heard on the issue of transportation.
In early July, Powell River Regional District organized four public consultation meetings in different areas of the region to discuss a regional transportation plan.
“We need people’s input, so the plan reflects residents’ issues and ideas,” said Laura Roddan, regional district manager of planning. “The more people we hear from the better.”
The regional district is working with ISL Engineering and Land Services to develop the plan, which will set out the long-term blueprint for transportation in the region.
“The first round of consultations provided residents with an opportunity to express their ideas about transportation and any issues they have with the current system or ideas for improving it,” said Roddan.
The final session, planned for residents north of town on July 10, was postponed. It has been rescheduled from 7 to 9 pm on Wednesday, August 7, at Lund COmmunity Centre.
The focus of the regional transportation plan is on rural areas and looking at the interconnectedness of all water, air and land-based transportation systems from the perspectives of residents and stakeholders.
“The particular focus is on alternative means of transport that are more energy efficient and have lower greenhouse gas emissions, getting more people out of their cars,” she said.
But open houses and public sessions are not the only ways residents can add their voices to the process. An online survey can be found on the regional district’s website which asks specific questions about the systems residents use and how they can be improved. Completed surveys will be accepted until Thursday, August 15.
The second round of open houses on the transportation plan will begin in October and give residents a chance to look through some of the options that have been developed. Once options have been explained the next stage will be to produce a report with recommendations and an implementation plan.
“An efficient transportation system is important to everyone because it creates a desirable place to live, work and helps grow the economy,” Roddan added.
The regional district has not yet set dates or locations for the second round of sessions. More information about the plan and the online survey are available by following the links on the regional district website. People can also drop by the regional district office on Marine Avenue or contact the planning department at 604.485.2260 to request a paper copy of the survey.
