The provincial government accepted input from thousands across B.C. for the next 10-year transportation plan.
The plan, titled “B.C. on the Move” will be presented in early spring 2015 following nine weeks of touring B.C. cities, including Fernie, to address resident’s transportation needs.
In a statement, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone highlighted some common ideas he heard from British Columbians.
Among those, Stone noted improvements to side roads and highways in rural areas to be a priority.
Fernie council discussed these issues at length in October, following an invitation from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Councillors highlighted the need for a stronger transit system in the Elk Valley as well as the need for turning lanes in West Fernie.
As well, feedback received from the province as a whole noted a desire for more rest areas and pull-outs on provincial highways.
Amongst the 170 rest areas in the province, approximately six fall between Cranbrook and Elkford.
“Through this engagement, you've had the opportunity to help shape our transportation priorities for the next decade and I thank you again for participating. A safe, efficient, integrated, cost-effective transportation network is the backbone of our economy, and ‘B.C. on the Move’ will keep our economy moving forward,” said Stone.
Upon final completion of the plan, Stone said that details will be shared with British Columbians on a tour across the province and will be made available online at https://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan.