The city of Williams Lake is taking a first step towards the formation of an active transportation working group.
The working group will meet approximately four to six times per year to inform city of Williams Lake active transportation planning and initiatives, set goals and objectives for active transportation within the city, and explore possible funding sources and to address issues and opportunities.
It is hoped the group will include a representation from a cross-section of user groups and area residents passionate about active transportation in the community.
Active transportation can be defined as human-powered transportation that connects destinations such as walking, cycling, running, skateboards or wheelchairs, among other activities.
“Council is dedicated to planning and updating municipal infrastructure to create safe, navigable streets for active transportation users,” said mayor Surinderpal Rathor.
“This working group is an opportunity for a group of passionate community members to meet regularly and to inform what active transportation could look like in Williams Lake, and how that ties into current and future development plans for the city.”
The group Streets for All Williams Lake has been pushing the city to create a committee to provide input and guidance on active transportation in the city and to apply for available active transportation funding for two years.
The province awarded the city an active transportation planning grant back in March of up to $50,000 towards creating an active transportation plan for the city with the city needing to provide matching funds.
The city has contracted Fraser Basin Council (FBC) to work on behalf of the city to support the development and administration of the working group for 2024-25. The FBC has now developed an Expression of Interest (EOI) document seeking interested community members to engage with active transportation planning through the working group.
The EOI is available on the city’s website at https://www.williamslake.ca/1025/Active-Transportation-in-Williams-Lake and the city encourages all interested individuals to submit their applications to participate in the working group by the deadline of May 15, 2024.
The FBC is a charitable, non-profit organization that brings people together to advance sustainability in B.C. Led by regional staff Jane Wellburn and Bettina Johnson, FBC’s strategic priorities include taking action on climate change, supporting healthy watersheds and building sustainable and resilient communities.
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