Small Towns, Big Steps in Active Transport


Publishing Date

BC Alliance for Healthy Living invites local governments to register for a workshop on active transportation in small communities. This free event will be held virtually on November 30 from 9 to 11:30 am and features local leaders in active transport as well as staff from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.  

The workshop will feature presentations from local governments that have successfully navigated challenges unique to smaller communities. Some of these challenges include:

  • Creating a walkable downtown despite the main street acting as a highway
  • Building projects across jurisdictional boundaries
  • Navigating grants and funding for active transportation projects

The workshop will include a discussion among participants. 

Presenters include the research lead for BCAHL’s Small Town, Big Steps in Active Transport project, local leaders in active transport, and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI):
 
Kerry MacKelvie, Research Lead, BCAHL & Principal, Stride Consulting

Kerry will share key findings from BCAHL’s recently completed research on active transportation in smaller communities, including the results of a survey, literature review and case studies from villages, towns and small cities across BC that are going active.
 
Stacey Lightbourne, Manager of Planning and Development, City of Rossland

In Rossland, 15% of residents walk or bike to work. Stacey shares lessons and advice from her 17 years of experience in Rossland, creating one of BC’s more walkable and bikeable communities.
 
Bernard Patrick, Capital and Infrastructure Director, Lake Babine Nation
 
Dale Ross, Director of Public Works, Village of Burns Lake

Bernard and Dale will speak about the collaboration between Lake Babine Nation and the Village of Burns Lake and how they worked together to create a safer community for everyone.
 
Jesse Skulmoski, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Active Transportation Grants, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
 
Kate Berniaz, Project Lead for Climate and Active Transportation, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Jesse and Kate will speak about Move. Commute. Connect. BC’s Active Transportation Strategy and design guide, and how the Ministry can support smaller communities.