March 8, 2010
Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce & UFV host transportation luncheon
The establishment of a long-term, integrated transportation strategy is essential to the Fraser Valley's economic, environmental, and social development. The Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce has long believed that an integrated transportation solution incorporating an assessment of future municipal, provincial, and federal economic expansion is required. In this year's transportation-focused luncheons, the Chamber will host a variety of transportation-themed speakers and commentators to share with our members their ideas around building an integrated, equitable, efficient and effective transportation system.
The Chamber and the University of the Fraser Valley have invited Surrey-based transportation commentator Peter Holt to share how rail-based thinking could help address our transit challenges and accelerate sustainable economic development. Come to this special interest luncheon on March 25 to learn about the Fraser Valley's rail heritage and what a valley-wide rail system might look like in the future.
Holt is a chartered engineer (CEng, MIET) and former British Royal Navy engineering officer who emigrated from the UK in 1987. He has held senior management positions in numerous major corporations involved in Canadian aerospace programs such as the Canadian frigate program, the RADARSAT-1 remote-sensing satellite program, the Canadian helicopter program, and the Canadian automated air traffic system. Holt also spent over three years on executive interchange with the Department of Foreign Affairs as the chair of two international technical expert groups.
Since moving to BC, he has taken an active interest in regional issues. He was the executive director of the Surrey Board of Trade (2004-07) and has championed the introduction of improved urban design and the integration of emerging technologies. Preserving industrial lands and managing the efficient integration of transportation, as well as commercial and industrial goods movement in urban centres, are also areas of concern to him. He was a member of the EU working group on hydrogen-powered rail and is an active member of the University of Westminster's Centre for Urban & Regional Governance.
Holt operates his own consultancy, Buckley Blair & Associates Inc. He is a board member of the Fraser Valley Heritage Rail Society, the Valley Transportation Advisory Committee, and the Surrey Crime Prevention Society.
The luncheon on March 25 will be held at the Best Western Rainbow Country Inn. Tickets are $22 for members, $24 for non-members, plus GST. Pre-registration is required. Contact Lisa at 604-793-4323 or email lisa.caruth@chilliwackchamber.com.
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Chamber contact: Lisa Caruth
Office: 604-793-4323
lisa.caruth@chilliwackchamber.com
Media contact: Kim Lawrence
Office: 604-864-4611
kim.lawrence@ufv.ca
