The Squamish Lillooet Regional District's (SLRD) board on Monday (Nov. 27) passed first reading of a bylaw that would establish a regional transit service for Lillooet to Squamish, with potential for expansion.
If the bylaw is approved, the SLRD could apply for $1,191,531 under the Federal-Provincial Gas Tax Agreement. It also means the SLRD can implement a new tax that would cost property owners $7.92 on a property valued at $500,000.Initially, the money would be spent on building proper bus pullouts, transit shelters, and park and ride facilities for commuters. The actions would demonstrate a tangible commitment, SLRD administrator Paul Edgington said.
"The reason we have proposed to give the board authority is to undertake transit infrastructure, which will allow as to access more money at some point," Edgington said.
According to a staff report, the SLRD would run the operation and buy two mid-sized, 24- to 28-seat shuttle buses.The buses would run start in Lillooet at 7 a.m. and run between Pemberton, Whistler, Squamish and Lillooet until 11:15 p.m. The drivers would be based in Lillooet, for the first time linking Lillooet to the rest of the Sea to Sky corridor by bus.
"I have to admit that I question the benefits of this to Area C, but we are looking into the long run. It may free up some local funding, enabling us to expand our local service to places in Area C," said Area C Director Susie Gimse.
SLRD staff was also directed to research a regional transit gas tax, which may now only occur if a regional transit authority is established. A SLRD staff report states: "The Ministry of Transportation has indicated its willingness to consider amendments to the Motor Fuel Tax Act in respect of a public transit gas tax and this opportunity bears further exploration and discussion by the SLRD and its member municipalities."
Citizens have a chance to respond to the proposed bylaw through an alternate approval process. Citizens must respond 30 days after notification of the bylaw is first printed in local papers.
