School field trips and extracurricular activities in the Campbell River school district (SD72) are temporarily halted, as the district looks to reduce fuel consumption.
On Friday (Nov. 19), the Province of B.C. issued an order to ration gasoline given storm-related supply problems.
It’s in effect until Dec. 1, with non-essential travellers in the southwestern part of the province, including Vancouver Island, now limited to 30-litres of fuel per visit to gas stations.
The order also applies to school districts.
While deemed essential, SD72 communications manager Jennifer Patrick says the Ministry of Education has asked certain districts to avoid non-essential travel altogether.
“We have directed staff to defer all non-essential travel at this time, either by postponing the event or holding it online, where possible,” she tells My Campbell River Now.
According to Patrick, this includes field trips, sporting activities and any event that requires travel within and outside of the district.
However, she notes that school buses are exempt from the fuel restriction, meaning bus service to and from school is continuing as normal.
“We are also encouraging staff to carpool, take transit or use alternative transportation,” Patrick adds.
