Editor’s note: A copy of this letter was sent to Summerland Municipal Council.

Dear Editor:

This correspondence is submitted on behalf of the Summerland Child and Youth Committee (CYC), which is a community partnership comprised of representatives from the following agencies and organizations: School District #67 (Okanagan-Skaha), Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Child and Youth Mental Health, Interior Health Authority, Ministry of Children and Family Development, Okanagan Boys and Girls Club, Penticton and District Community Resources Society, Pathways Addictions Resource Centre, Summerland Assets Development Initiative, Summerland Municipal Recreation Department, ARC Programs, and the Summerland Clergy.

The Summerland CYC has been in continuous operation for more than 25 years and stands as one of the oldest community groups of its kind in the interior region of British Columbia.

During its deliberations this past year the Summerland CYC has become aware of the significant impact that the lack of affordable public transit has upon the population of Summerland and Trout Creek.

As you are aware the residents of our community are compelled to travel to Penticton and/or Kelowna to access many of the services and opportunities required for day-to-day living.

These include, but are not limited to: most provincial and federal government services; medical specialists, health care and hospitals; court and legal services; post-secondary education and employment training; social service agencies, counselling and psychological or psychiatric support.

Additionally many residents are compelled to travel to Penticton or Kelowna for employment.

As indicated in the Results of the 2009 Citizen Survey published by the District of Summerland in March, 2009, 50 per cent of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of public transit and 32 per cent cited bus service as a very important transportation issue.

Coincidentally these expressions were published at the same time that passenger and freight services to Summerland and the Okanagan Valley corridor were significantly reduced by Greyhound Bus Lines.

From its partnership discussions the Summerland CYC has developed a concern that many families and individuals of limited financial means are deeply impacted by the lack of affordable public transit in this community.

All of the existing provincial and federal social, financial and employment assistance services are located in Penticton, as are related programs such as legal aid, family justice, services to the handicapped and daycare subsidy.

The Summerland CYC views the provision of public transit services as being worthy initiative which will greatly benefit a broad range of citizens in our community. In this time of increased environmental awareness it may be argued that cost-effective and efficient public transportation has become a paramount consideration for all levels of government in North America.

Accordingly we would urge you to consider the inclusion of Summerland and Trout Creek in a valley-wide public transit system.

Linda Van Alphen

Summerland Child and Youth Committee

Summerland