Quesnel City Council has rejected, at least for now, a request for free shuttle bus service during this year’s Billy Barker Days festival.
The Billy Barker Days Society made the request due to concerns that the two gravel parking lots near Lebourdais Park are being used for the construction of the new arena.
Council denied the service due to not only the cost but also the logistics.
Mayor Bob Simpson says having one bus pick people up at three different locations…south, north and west of town…just wouldn’t work.
He says they would need multiple shuttles going around and around and around.
Council was also concerned about setting a precedence for other events.
Simpson says the city will however work with the society in trying to promote car sharing, drop off and parking in close proximity to the events and then just walking into town.
Simpson also suggested that this past weekend, (May 7-8) with the first Farmers Market and the Trades Show and other events, could be a test to see how things are working out.
He says Council could then re-visit the shuttle request.
