School District 47 (SD47) supports concerned Texada Island residents regarding a school busing issue at Blubber Bay ferry terminal.
At the June 21 board of education meeting, trustees voted to send correspondence to BC Ferries and the provincial ministry of transportation and infrastructure representatives to outline concerns.
Secretary-treasurer Steve Hopkins, in the correspondence, stated that SD47 received a request from Texada representatives for BC Ferries outlining concerns about dangers related to waiting vehicle traffic obstructing the roadway along Blubber Bay Road when lined-up at Blubber Bay Terminal.
“The Texada Island representatives for BC Ferries are seeking support from School District 47 with their efforts in resolving this long-standing issue,” stated Hopkins. “Having consulted with our transportation department and the regular driver on Texada Island, we understand that the loading lane used for the ferry line-up at Blubber Bay Terminal is not long enough to accommodate all vehicles that are waiting to board the ferry. Due to this issue, the school bus has difficulties reaching the terminal to pick up students. This situation, under certain conditions, could result in an unsafe situation.”
Hopkins stated the correspondence indicated School District 47’s support for the Texada representatives.
“The school district would support any efforts or initiatives that might remedy the situation long term,” stated Hopkins. “In the meantime, we will explore alternatives with respect to our bus routing to see if we can find a way to avoid the circumstance.”
