Student transportation safety concerns in the Valleyview subdivision was discussed at Wednesday’s Prince George City Council meeting.
In a letter to Council, it said students walk along the section of Austin Road East, known as the Valleyview “Dip”, to reach the bus stop, which doesn’t have a sidewalk, a pedestrian pathway, or usable shoulder, with winters making the curved and steep path slippery, and snowbanks reducing space for an already narrow road.
Councillor Tim Bennett said staff had been trying to find a way to find solutions without impacting the budget.
“I think it has come to a point where the options to address this are going to require budget enhancements.”
“I would like Council to refer this back to staff now to look at what we could do with a budget to look to address this.”
The ask to council within the letter includes a report back on:
- The feasibility and cost of adding a Valleyview stop specifically to the Route 97 school special
- The additional service hours that would be required
- How the 97 school-special buses are currently scheduled and utilized before and after those
school runs, including whether they become part of other scheduled routes - Whether alternative safety improvements such as lighting, a sidewalk or pedestrian pathway
would provide a more practical or cost-effective solution.
City Manager Walter Babicz noted the intent would be to look at the issue for the 2027 budget, with a report to return in time for that.
Councillor Ron Polillo recalled this being an issue during his time as a School District Trustee, noting the importance of having consultations with School District 57.
The motion was passed.
Other items discussed during the meeting include exploring urban bee hives, forest and wildfire management, active transportation plan, and inland port.
The full meeting agenda can be found here.
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