SD68 is suspending a host of extra-curricular activities in a bid to limit their fuel usage during a provincial shortage. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

CONSERVATION

Nanaimo-Ladysmith schools cancel field trips, non-essential travel during fuel shortage

Nov 22, 2021 | 3:26 PM

NANAIMO — School District 68 is cutting back on discretionary travel during a province-wide fuel shortage.

Effective Monday, Nov. 22, the district said it has cancelled certain activities which require a vehicle such as most field trips, before and after school activities, in-person meetings and events.

A joint letter from board chair Charlene McKay and superintendent Scott Saywell said the measures are on top of those outlined by the province on Friday, Nov. 19.

“The Province’s fuel supply is limited, and we implore the community to take these restrictions seriously and to do their part to limit fuel consumption.”

The district is also instructing staff who are able to work from home, to do so as well as encouraging use of public transportation and carpooling for students or staff who are unable to walk or ride.

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Mike Farnworth, B.C.’s public safety minister, outlined a temporary restriction on fuel during a briefing Friday.

He said a pipeline issue downstream will restrict B.C.’s supply until at least early December.

“Non-essential vehicles including the general public will still have access to gas available through retail gas stations, but people in southwestern British Columbia, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast will be limited to 30 litres per visit,” Farnworth said Friday afternoon.

Emergency vehicles and those deemed essential services will have an unrestricted supply.

Farnworth said the 30 litre limit would be on the honour system, however as of Friday evening, many gas stations in Nanaimo had posted signage on their pumps or imposed hard limits at either 30 litres or $50 for fill ups.

A handful of stations, including the 7-11 in Departure Bay were out of fuel over the weekend.

Some Nanaimo gas stations are low on fuel, including the Dover Rd. Petro Can station which had signs posted on the pumps Friday afternoon. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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