Regional leaders feel they have a greater role to play in resolving a transit strike that began in December and is taking its toll on Comox Valley residents.
Comox Valley Regional District directors raised concerns at the first meeting of 2024. Director Doug Hillian says the situation is very unfortunate and has a big impact on many people in the community.
“There’s a lot of impact on transit riders and in some ways it’s a good demonstration of how our community is becoming more dependent on transit,” said Hillian.
“I’m hearing about it particularly in relation to students at North Island College and also the employers that rely on many of those students who run their businesses.”
The strike, which is between Unifor Local 144 and PWTransit – who contract their services to BC Transit – has seen a shutdown of bus service in the region in a dispute over wages.
Director Daniel Arbour adds the strike is affecting everyone; however, the board does not have much influence on negotiations despite providing 50 per cent of the funding for the service.
“I think there has to be a consideration of our duty as elected officials to represent our residents and their money and to ensure we have the services,” said Arbour. “Right now, with the structure we have contributed to establish, we’ve cut ourselves out of the deal.”
Alternate director and Courtenay mayor Bob Wells adds the situation is causing some residents to lose confidence in the system they are trying to push forward.
He says he would like to see better communication to elected officials from BC Transit in times like these, especially as it affects other communities such as nearby Campbell River.
“The second thing would be to call for a meeting as well so we can have BC Transit come and speak to this,” said Wells. “Having that face-to-face when you’re looking people in the eye can have a distinct, higher impact.”
After deliberations, the board moved to request better communication between elected officials and BC Transit, include Campbell River in the communications and request a meeting with BC Transit.
The board also voted to refer the issue to the strategic planning committee in June.
