Dear editor,
Happy New Year to the valley and here is an idea to capture the attention of citizens – TRANSPO 21. Move people, not vehicles!
Earlier this year, it was suggested that a third crossing of the river could cost about $33 million, provided we got the right steel from China. $33 million!
So a 2016 call to action for the Comox Valley, especially for the city of Courtenay is to start looking at transportation as a basic need, especially for the city. Transportation = Transpo 21 Because it is 2015 and we are well into the 21st century.
How about the city and CVRD sit down with BC Transit and figure out some ideas and options to move people instead of vehicles? Kids need to get to school, seniors need to get to doctor appointments, workers need to get to their place of employment and tourists need access to the best the valley has to offer them.
Instead of forking over $33 million to subsidize vehicles moving around the city and valley, see how much we could get for that money or less if public transit was made more convenient for more citizens? Maybe start with a Transpo 21 savings account, put some money aside each year to pursue this issue.
That is a challenge for the citizens of the valley and something to make the subject of calls and letters to our elected officials who like to keep taxes low and services high.
We have a new prime minister and federal government that seems bent on improving the lot of Canadians, maybe this is as good a place as any to test his love for B.C.? And with a provincial election in 2017, Christy and her crew are looking for ways to improve the environment and the lifestyle of as many voters as possible. A made-to-order suggestion.Yer Welcome!
Cliff Boldt
Courtenay