The Regional District of Nanaimo board welcomes possible new funding that will help improve the region's transit system.
The RDN's senior manager for transportation services, Darren Marshall, informed the RDN board during its regular meeting on April 8, that BC Transit successfully submitted an expression of interest on behalf of the regional district's transit system under the Baseline Funding Stream of the Canadian Public Transit Fund.
Marshall expressed thanks to BC Transit for making the initial grant application.
"It is a tremendous amount of work," said Marshall. "BC Transit is excited to assist in managing the Canadian Public Transit Fund application fund further and allocations on behalf of the RDN."
The RDN received a confirmation letter from the CPTF about the grant application which specifically supports capital projects that could include modernization initiatives, and facility master plans.
"The process is gate-staged at this point so it still has some processes to go through," said Marshal. "And BC Transit is trying to secure the maximum federal funding for the RDN."
The Baseline Funding stream is an annual envelope of approximately $500 million. The RDN's Transit System can benefit from an allocation of up to $12,046,540 over 10 years, beginning in 2026. This allocation is based on a combination of ridership (70 per cent) and population (30 per cent).
BC Transit will need to submit a capital plan application detailing the planned use of the funds. This process ensures projects can proceed without delays and meet all necessary requirements, including environmental assessment, Indigenous consultation, climate resilience and greenhouse gas assessments.
Nanaimo director Sheryl Armstrong inquired whether creation of proper bus stops can be included in the grant.
"There's a lot of people won't take it because they're standing out in the pouring rain," said Armstrong. "I do recognize that we've had problems with issues at bus stops. If we want to encourage transit, we need to make it more pleasurable for those that are sitting and waiting."
Marshall said he will take Armstrong's suggestion to BC Transit for the next stage of the grant application.
Electoral Area E (Nanoose Bay) director Bob Rogers also wanted to know if the bus stops would apply to park and ride facilities or locations.
Marshall said he will add the question to the list he will present to BC Transit.
