Timberline Students Bring Youth Voice on Transportation to City Hall

Timberline Secondary School students brought their ideas on local transportation directly to Campbell River City Hall on June 9, presenting research and recommendations to Mayor and council.

Members of the school’s Interact Club spoke to council after completing a student-led project focused on transit and cycling in the community.

The project began as students looked for a way to give youth a stronger voice. As regular transit users, they identified safety and access as key concerns. With support from guest speakers from the city, they learned how to advocate for change and developed a survey completed by about 100 students from Timberline and Carihi secondary schools.

Survey results pointed to ongoing challenges with local transit. Students reported that buses often pass riders waiting at stops and that schedules are not available at all locations. Without printed schedules, riders without mobile data face barriers to using the system. Students also said some posted schedules are not accurate.

Students shared similar concerns about cycling. Many said they do not feel safe using existing bike lanes but would be more likely to ride if lanes were wider, separated from traffic and better connected across the community.

Based on their findings, students proposed several practical changes. These included adding a light at bus stops that riders can activate, like a pedestrian crossing button, to signal drivers that someone is waiting. They also recommended installing up-to-date printed schedules at all bus stops to improve access.

The group presented their ideas as both short-term and longer-term options aimed at improving safety and reliability for people who rely on public transportation.

Before presenting to council, the students shared their work with the Rotary Club to help refine their message.

Students involved in the presentation were Sarah Barnhart, Dana Kim, Maisie McRae, Yuli Chen, Jaylynn Tripp and Bella Lee.

The presentation reflects a broader focus on student voice in the district, with students identifying issues, gathering data and sharing ideas with decision-makers.