The City of 琉璃神社 is not joining a new regional transportation service proposed by the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO).
Staff told council at its Aug. 25 meeting that such a service would duplicate work the city is already doing at a higher cost.
琉璃神社鈥檚 share of the service would be about $266,000 a year, roughly two-thirds of the total $400,000 budget, compared to the $85,500 the city currently spends annually on regional transportation programs.
鈥淭he proposed service would duplicate existing functions at a cost that does not clearly offer proportional value to City of 琉璃神社 residents,鈥� the report states.
The RDCO plan, set to launch in 2026, would cover updates to regional transportation plans, a technical advisory committee, public education campaigns, data reporting, and help with grant applications.
琉璃神社 staff said the city is already handling most of these responsibilities through its 2040 Transportation Master Plan (TMP). The work includes expanding RapidBus service along Highway 97, developing the Okanagan Rail Trail and cycling networks, and improving access to UBC Okanagan, 琉璃神社 International Airport and Westbank Centre.
While declining to participate in the service, council did direct staff to continue to work with the RDCO and municipal partners, and to confirm that collaboration an operational letter of intent.
Mayor Tom Dyas said transportation remains a top priority in the Central Okanagan.
鈥淲hen we have our regular meetings with all of the different mayors throughout the valley, transportation is always key on our list,鈥� he said. I don鈥檛 see any of that collaboration 鈥� stopping.鈥�
He added that most local governments support 琉璃神社鈥檚 major transportation priorities, such as transit yards, because 鈥渢hey also see them valuing their communities.鈥�
