qathet, BC – The qathet Regional District (qRD) is happy to announce the success of a recent grant application for the tiskʷat On-Demand Shuttle Transit Feasibility Study for Tla’amin Nation, City of Powell River, and qRD through the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s Rural Transit Solutions Fund.

In July 2023, the qRD completed a Rural On-Demand Transit Feasibility Study. The purpose of the study was to explore the feasibility of potential on-demand transit solutions and develop an implementation plan for the recommended scenario that would meet the needs of residents in Electoral Areas A, B, C and D of the qRD, and Tla’amin Nation. The project team consisted of representatives from the Tla’amin Nation, qRD, City of Powell River, and BC Transit. Considerable public feedback was collected and analyzed through open houses, surveys and submitted correspondence.

The vehicle fleet was determined to be adequate for current and future scenarios. One option was to follow the City of Powell River’s Zunga bus initiative, however, this was not recommended. This venture would at least double operating costs, add responsibility to more closely manage and even deliver transit service in a field of service where the qRD has no expertise or capacity.  BC Transit will be starting a Digital On-Demand Transit pilot program in other areas of the Province. The qRD will consider an enhanced partnership with them once the program is proven to be commercially viable. Meanwhile, qRD will advocate for Information and Communications Technology infrastructure, especially in underserved areas. Click here to read the full report.

“Public transit makes getting around easier, helps tackle climate change, and better connects communities,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “We are proud to support these projects and will keep working with rural communities from coast to coast to coast to help meet their unique needs.”

“We would like to thank the Government of Canada for supporting the feasibility study for the tiskʷat On-Demand Shuttle for Tla’amin Nation, City of Powell River and qathet Regional District to provide safe and reliable transit between our region’s rural and urban areas,” said Clay Brander, Regional Board Chair. “We would also like to extend our thanks to our project partners, the on-demand transit working group membership, and all the members of the public who took the time to provide us with their valuable feedback.”

About the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF):

RTSF is the first federal fund to target the development of transit solutions in rural and remote communities. Launched in 2021, the Fund supports the development of locally-driven transit solutions that will help people living in rural communities get to work, school, appointments, and to visit loved ones. A minimum of 10 percent of RTSF’s funding is allocated to projects that benefit indigenous communities. Learn more about the program at Rural Transit Solutions Fund.

RTSF is currently accepting applications for Planning and Design Projects. Eligible applicants can receive a grant up to $50,000 in support of a communities’ projects to plan and design a new or expanded transit solution for their communities. Examples of eligible Planning and Design project activities include assessment of routes and modes of travel, feasibility studies, public and stakeholder engagement and surveys.

About the qathet Regional District:

The qathet Regional District serves the rural areas from Lund to sḵelhp (Saltery Bay), the City of Powell River, Texada Island, Savary Island, and Lasqueti Island. The qRD provides some services, through contract, to Tla’amin Nation. To learn more please visit qathet.ca.