BRODIE GUY
COURTENAY – Island Coastal Economic Trust (the Trust) and Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) have announced the launch of a new one-time fund that will invest in projects that would enable people to have improved passenger transportation options between coastal communities. The fund is administered by MNP LLP on behalf of the Trust and VIEA.
“Our community engagement sessions across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast this summer were eye-opening in terms of the gaps in our region’s passenger transportation systems, and yet uplifting to hear from leaders and changemakers who are creating local solutions,” says Brodie Guy, CEO, Island Coastal Economic Trust. “Partnering with Vancouver Island Economic Alliance and MNP is exciting and we’re looking forward to investing in locally-led initiatives and people-centred solutions through this new Fund.”
The Community Passenger Transportation Fund is launching following public engagement sessions held across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast in the summer 2023. The discussions, priorities, and solutions arising from these sessions are captured in the Island Coastal Intercommunity Transportation “What We Heard Report” (download the report – 5MB PDF) that was published in August 2023.
The Fund is capitalized with $230,000 from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and will fund projects between $5,000 and $20,000. The specific objectives of the Fund are to:
- Strengthen passenger transportation governance and collaboration;
- Broaden regional partnerships on inter-community passenger transportation;
- Expand or enhance inter-community passenger transportation services, especially in rural and remote communities; and
- Create and/or expand innovative and non-traditional passenger transportation opportunities (e.g., car sharing, ride hailing etc.).
The Fund will invest in projects that focus on one or more of the key themes highlighted in the summer 2023 engagement sessions and the resulting What We Heard Report:
- Strengthened Public Transportation Governance and Collaboration
Proposals that provide for positive change in the way that inter-community passenger transportation is governed. This could include improvements to existing, or the establishment of new policies and/or plans that set the direction for inter-community passenger transportation within a region or community. Specifically, the policies and/or plans would be prepared collaboratively with stakeholders and rightsholders, including service providers, and administered by local governments and/or First Nations. - Broader Partnerships on Inter-Community Passenger Transportation
Proposals that support regional partnerships to coordinate on, or provide shared capacity and capabilities to offer, inter-community passenger transportation, especially for rural and remote communities (including Island communities). - Expand or Enhanced Inter-Community Passenger Transportation Services Proposals on projects that extend the frequency, geographic scope, and/or hours of public inter-community transportation services, which can be regionally based, community-led or through a public-private partnership.
- Innovative and Non-Traditional Passenger Transportation
Projects that support the expansion and improvement of innovative and non-traditional inter-community passenger transportation corridors and hubs.
“As someone who grew up on the Island and has lived here most of my life, I know how much we all rely on our transportation system,” says James Byrne, Regional Managing Partner, Vancouver Island, MNP LLP. “Whether for work, healthcare, leisure, or simply being close to our families, the ability to move in and around our communities is essential. Mobility is also vitally important for our economy, driving sectors like tourism, education, and shipping. When we don’t have effective transportation options in place that are safe, reliable, and easy to use, it impacts all of us. That’s why I’m excited that MNP is able to support the Community Passenger Transportation Fund. It’s an important step toward making our communities more connected and accessible for everyone who lives here.”
Business Examiner Staff/Submitted