FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND LIL’WAT NATION JOIN FORCES ON PEMBERTON LOCAL TRANSIT FEASIBILITY STUDY
Project aims to garner public input into Pemberton transit service
Pemberton, BC – The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD), in partnership with the Village of Pemberton (VOP) and Lil’wat Nation, is conducting a study to determine the effectiveness of the transit system serving the residents of these three communities.
The objective of this project is to understand how to effectively and equitably use the resources available to maximize the transit operations available in the Pemberton Valley, including the regional service between Pemberton and Whistler and the potential for expansion of the local service.
The project team, led by the WATT Consultant Group, a company with expertise in transit planning, and with representation from the SLRD, VOP and Lil’wat Nation, is collecting information on the transportation needs and opportunities in the Pemberton Valley. Initially, this public engagement process includes an online survey, which is open to the public from April 14- 28, 2021.
The survey is available online through the SLRD, Village of Pemberton and Lil’wat Nation websites. The information garnered from the survey will help inform future decisions and plans regarding local transit in Pemberton Valley.
The Village of Pemberton administers the Pemberton Valley Transit System with BC Transit, on behalf of the Village, SLRD Electoral Area C and the Lil’wat Nation. Funding for the system is cost-shared between the SLRD, the Village of Pemberton, the Lil'wat Nation and BC Transit. All revenue collected from the service goes directly to the local government partners to offset their share of the total costs, with the net costs being shared amongst the local government partners.
Residents with specific technical questions about the survey are asked to contact their respective jurisdiction:
- SLRD
604-894-6371
info@slrd.bc.ca - Líl’wat Nation
604-894-6115
NEWS RELEASE
info@lilwat.ca - Village of Pemberton
604-894-6135
admin@pemberton.ca
Quotes:
“Our communities are growing, and transit is a service that enhances quality of life for residents, by improving access to healthcare, employment opportunities and education, while also reducing our environmental impact and carbon footprint. We hope that residents will share their thoughts on the transit service in the Pemberton Valley, and, in particular, ways that the service could be improved to meet the needs of our growing communities.” – Russell Mack, SLRD Electoral Area C Director
“The Lil’wat Nation is pleased to see this work move forward to better understand our transit system, and ultimately approve the experience for all of our community members. We encourage all Lil’wat citizens to be engaged in the process.” – Dean Nelson, Political Chief, Lil’wat Nation
“We would like to encourage residents to participate in this opportunity to share your thoughts on transit services in the Pemberton Valley. The feedback we receive will help us collectively develop creative strategies to explore expansion opportunities for local transit which will service our communities for years to come while helping us achieve our vision of a low-carbon future.” – Mike Richman, Mayor, Village of Pemberton
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Media Contacts:
Patricia Westerholm
Communications and Engagement Manager
Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
Email: pwesterholm@slrd.bc.caTelephone: (604) 894-6371 ext. 244
Kerry Mehaffey
Chief Administrative Officer
Líl’wat Nation
Email: kerry.mehaffey@lilwat.ca
Telephone: (604) 894-6115
Vinka Hutchinson
Communications and Grants Coordinator
Village of Pemberton
Email: vhutchinson@pemberton.ca
Telephone: (604) 894-6135 ext. 230