City hosting open house to discuss downtown transportation options

Jan 14, 2019 | 1:19 PM

KAMLOOPS —The City of Kamloops is gathering information about the transportation needs and values of city residents and is providing an opportunity to discuss sustainable transportation options for the community. 

The city is identifying programs and strategies to encourage residents to use alternative modes of transportation to go downtown, rather than driving alone. 

An open house will take place at the Sandman Signature Hotel Tuesday (Jan. 15) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., educating residents on the Downtown Transportation Choices Strategy and providing an opportunity for discussing concerns and interests. 

“There will be display boards as well as people from the consulting team and city staff available to answer any questions that people might have as well as to help residents understand what … programs may be available to them when it comes to transportation choices,” said Elnaz Ansari, a traffic and transportation engineer with the City. 

A survey has also been made available for residents on the City’s website. The survey launched around a week ago and the City has already received nearly 400 responses. 

 “A big part of this project is working with perhaps business owners or the schools to identify ways that they can support residents in wanting to change their travel behaviours,” Ansari said. “So, if a business owner is interested in providing their employee with an incentive such as a reduced bus pass versus a parking spot, that could be one of the ways we can improve or at least reach the targets that we’re hoping to reach through this project.”