MLA Talks Transportation ... and More
- kc dyer
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Valeriote addresses wide range of topics during Village visit
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Jeremy Valeriote dropped by the Village Hall on Thursday evening to chat with local residents.
The turnout was moderate with about 20 residents present, but engagement high as the cross-section of residents, councillors and even future voters turned out to hear what the MLA had to say on a wide range of topics.
Transportation issues may have been top of mind for many residents, but topics also included health care shortages, private members' bills, concern over the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant at Woodfibre, misinformation circulating regarding the Cowichan decision and the protection and rehabilitation of orphaned bear cubs.
On the transportation front, Valeriote said that progress has been made for a regular bus route up and down the Sea to Sky, but noted that ordering the new buses by BC Transit has been delayed 18 months.
Valeriote's Constituency Lead Jatinder Sidhu said that the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District transit committee secured a commitment of understanding regarding regional transit from the province at the Union of BC Municipalities meeting last fall, and Valeriote said he'd like to see the new bus system in place before municipal elections this fall.
When asked about the possibility of increased rail service Valeriote was more cautious. "There's so much interest and enthusiasm for rail," he said, noting there is a lot of potential but still many variables. He said the ideal situation would be having a private operator step forward to build a business around the rail line.
Sidhu said there is also an opportunity for 'short-line' usage, where local communities or companies take responsibility for portions of the line.
"Still, an hourly bus is more likely in the short term," said Valeriote.
He took notes as residents asked questions about hospital emergency room backlogs and closures, and noted that advocates have been working for more than ten years to bring a new, upgraded hospital to Squamish.
When Mayor Ken Berry asked a question about home ownership in light of the recent Cowichan decision, Valeriote was dismissive. "I think the people stirring up the Cowichan decision are doing so purely for political gain," he said, noting there will be a long road ahead before any final outcome is legislated.
Â
"Private property has never been a part of the Cowichan claim," he said. "The government will protect private property rights."
Discussion also turned to seeking more consistency in the protection and rehabilitation of orphaned bear cubs across the province, and the continued damage to the shoreline from the wake of vessels travelling to and from the LNG plant at Woodfibre.
Valeriote said that meeting with his constituents is one of his favourite parts of the job and that he plans to meet again with similar community groups over the next six months.
He can be reached by phone at his Victoria office at (250) 387-8347 or by email at Jeremy.Valeriote.MLA@leg.bc.ca.
The Watershed values your opinion. Share your thoughts below,
or email editor@lionsbaywatershed.ca
Like what you're reading? For as little as $5/month, you can support local
independent journalism by subscribing to The Watershed HERE.
