Public engagement opens on new transportation plan

Press Release

October 14, 2014

VICTORIA – Over the next nine weeks, the Government of B.C. is asking British Columbians to consider and help identify transportation opportunities and priorities as it develops “B.C. on the Move”, a new 10-year transportation plan to build the economy and connect the province’s communities.

Beginning today, British Columbians are invited to provide input on the transportation needs most important to them and to their region. A feedback form accompanies the online Discussion Guide, which offers an overview of B.C.’s transportation network, an outline of accomplishments and highlights of strategies moving forward.

The feedback form and Discussion Guide are available online at http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/. Feedback will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, 2014.

The input gathered from this province wide engagement will be considered along with technical information and input from key stakeholders. These stakeholder meetings started in early September, as Parliamentary Secretary Jordan Sturdy met with over 70 groups on Vancouver Island, including local governments and First Nations, to hear first-hand the transportation needs of Island communities.

“B.C. on the Move”, the new 10-year transportation plan, will be ready in the new year and will set out a series of short, medium and longer-term priorities for government.

These priorities will focus on growing the economy, moving goods and people safely and reliably, connecting and strengthening communities, and maximizing collaboration and investment with partners including First Nations, the federal government, local governments, and the private sector.

B.C.’s most recent transportation plan, “Opening Up B.C.”, was developed in 2003. The primary goals of that plan have been accomplished. Since 2001, over $16 billion has been invested in transportation infrastructure to improve the quality of life for B.C. families and strengthen the provincial economy.

Quote:

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone –

“I look forward to hearing from British Columbians as we develop our new 10-year transportation plan. Through this engagement, British Columbians can help shape our transportation priorities for the next decade. A safe, efficient, integrated, cost-effective transportation network is the backbone of our economy, so tell us about what’s important to you, because our transportation network is important to all of us.”

Learn More:

There are several ways to provide your input for the province’s new 10-year transportation plan:

• Visit the website at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/
• Email: transportationplan@gov.bc.ca
• Participate in an upcoming Twitter Town Hall with Minister Todd Stone (date to be announced)
• Copies of this Discussion Guide and Feedback Form will be available at ServiceBC Centres, First Nation band offices and public libraries throughout the province (available beginning the week of October 20, 2014).

Media Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

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