Federal government invests in rural transit projects for communities across British Columbia
PEMBERTON, BC, Sept. 17, 2026 /CNW/ — Rural and remote communities in British Columbia, including the Village of Pemberton, will receive a boost for transit projects following an investment of more than $10.6 million from the federal government.
These projects were announced by Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country, who was accompanied by his Worship Mike Richman, Mayor of the Village of Pemberton.
In Pemberton, funding will support the creation of an accessible multi-modal transit hub to expand regional transit services and integrate with BC Transit service. The project will include the construction and installation of a transit station, bus shelters, sidewalk, crosswalk, lights, and bike racks. Funding will also support the necessary earthworks, roadworks, and landscaping. Other amenities will include secure parking, shaded shelters, washrooms, bike storage, and future EV charging capabilities.
The hub will also serve communities surrounding Pemberton, such as Líl̓wat Nation, Southern Stl’atl’imx communities, Whistler, and Squamish, helping to improve mobility, reduce isolation, and enhance access to healthcare, education, and employment for regional residents.
Today’s investment will fund vehicle purchases and transit planning projects for 12 additional communities across the province to expand on-demand and fixed route service. For a number of recipients, such as the Bridge River Indian Band and Nisga’a Lisims Government, funding will also construct supporting infrastructure like maintenance garages, bus shelters, and charging stations.
Quotes
“Whether you live in a large city or a rural community, you should be able to count on reliable transportation to get where you need to go. In Pemberton, this investment will help strengthen local and regional transit and better connect people to work, school, health care and essential services. The Government of Canada is investing more than $10.6 million across British Columbia to support a wide range of projects that reflect the unique transportation needs of rural and Indigenous communities.”
Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country
“We are thrilled to receive this funding and to move forward with the next phase of the Multi-Modal Transportation Hub. This investment will enhance how people move throughout the Pemberton Valley by making transit more accessible, supporting active transportation, and creating a welcoming space for residents and visitors. These improvements will strengthen connections throughout the region and contribute to a more accessible, sustainable, and resilient transportation network for years to come. We are grateful to our funding partners for helping bring this vision to life.”
His Worship Mike Richman, Mayor of the Village of Pemberton
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Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing a total of $10,627,292 in these projects through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF), and recipients are contributing $$753,449.
- The RTSF supports a range of public transit models including fixed-route transit, flex-route transit, demand-response transit, community shuttles and Mobility-as-a-Service. In addition to supporting the purchase of rolling stocks, the RTSF also provides funding for fixed infrastructure that enhances access to public transit.
- A minimum of 10% of RTSF’s funding is allocated to projects that benefit Indigenous populations and communities.
- One in five Canadians live in rural communities. Rural communities in Canada account for nearly 30% of the nation’s gross domestic product.
- The RTSF complements Canada’s strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. Through the plan the federal government has committed to providing funding for public transit to support making clean and affordable transportation available in every community.
- The Government of Canada is taking concrete actions to strengthen the economy by investing in Canadians and supporting Canadian businesses.
- Federal actions are creating good jobs, accelerating home building and helping communities grow across the country.
- Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations, where applicable.
- Federal funding for all projects is conditional on the signing of a contribution agreement.
Associated Links
Rural Transit Solutions Fund
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/rural-trans-rural/index-eng.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
Housing and Infrastructure Project Map
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html
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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
