Efforts are underway to expand the number of new bus shelters erected in City of Powell River to provide protection for seniors and others accessing transit routes.
Last year, three bus shelters were built to BC Transit standards, based in part on a contribution from the Powell River Community Forest reserve fund.
This year, Wildwood Ratepayers Association has applied to the community forest to install three more shelters.
City manager of transportation Cam Reed said plans are to have a new shelter at Manson Avenue and Cassiar Street, and another is planned to be at Chilco Avenue and Lund Street. The third site has yet to be determined.
BC Transit has arranged assistance for two of the shelters this year and is covering 80 per cent of the cost, said Reed, so the local commitment for the two is for 20 per cent of the cost. The third shelter will have to be completely financed locally, and the concrete work is also a local responsibility.
“It’s a huge boost from the ratepayers groups and BC Transit to have these shelters,” added Reed.
He said that because the work is being done with BC Transit, the new bus shelters meet all the requirements.
Transit supervisor Gerry Woods said feedback received regarding the new shelters has been positive.
“If it’s pouring down rain, people can come to the shelter, get out of the rain and wait for the bus,” said Woods.
Westview Ratepayers Society president Ron Woznow said at a recent senior citizens association lunch, there were comments from people who were very happy these shelters have been put in. Westview ratepayers have been partnering with Wildwood ratepayers to get the bus shelters approved and constructed.
Reed said the shelters being put in appear to be a lot more resilient than some of the older shelters. He said the old versions were made of a lot of plexiglass and are tough to repair.
Wildwood Ratepayers Association president Bill Bird said that last year, Powell River Community Forest provided $36,000 and about $32,000 was used, so there is some money left over for new installations. He said it’s hoped that the money can help pay for the concrete bases required for the next shelters.
Bird said in Wildwood, the previous ask was for a bus shelter at James Thomson Elementary School, and it is dual purpose, serving the transit bus and the school.
“We’ve got three in Wildwood now and we’ll be pretty good if we get two more in Wildwood,” said Bird.
In the latest application for funding from the community forest, put forward by the Wildwood ratepayers, the request is for $40,000. In the application, it states that the city has an aging population, with about 34 per cent of the current population being seniors. The application stated that transit provides many of those residents the opportunity to move around the city.
“The strategic placement of new bus shelters will be a significant benefit to both seniors and youth who do not drive,” the application stated. “These new bus shelters will also address the importance of improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities.”
