B.C. Transit confirmed they have removed the proposed bus stop near William Konkin Elementary (WKE) after receiving complaints from the public.
The parent advisory council of WKE had asked B.C. Transit to remove the proposed bus stop near the school, saying it would present a threat to students.
“It is imperative that our children be safe and protected; we feel that transit buses travelling through residential areas and stopping near the schools put all our children at risk,” said a letter signed by Shannon Adams, chair of WKE’s parent advisory council.
Staff from both B.C. Transit and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure were in Burns Lake over the past two weeks working with village staff to assess a number of alternative routing and stop options.
“Staff from the various organizations are in the process of confirming further details regarding revised routing and stops and then the intent would be to present this to local elected officials for their comment and approval,” said Jonathon Dyck, a spokesperson with B.C. Transit.
Sheryl Worthing, Chief Administrative Officer for the Village of Burns Lake, said the village has also suggested that a bus stop be placed where Via Rail trains currently stop in Burns Lake. However, the Government Street bus stop would not be a shelter such as the one being built on Hwy. 16.
The Hwy. 16 action plan is a $5-million plan that will have buses connecting the Hwy. 16 corridor between Prince George and Prince Rupert. The first buses are expected to start operating by December 2016.