News release: Board of Trade applauds new transit funding for region
For Immediate Release
June 16, 2016
VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade applauds the provincial and federal governments for committing $616 million earlier today towards transit initiatives across the region.
All told, the money will put into motion 14 capital projects identified in the Mayors’ Plan, including modernizing key transit stations across the region, adding a third SeaBus, and adding additional cars to the SkyTrain, Canada Line, and West Coast Express.
In addition, $157 million has been earmarked to begin planning and pre-construction on the region’s two most needed transit projects — LRT in Surrey and Langley, and the Millennium Line extension along the Broadway-UBC corridor — both of which were called for in the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s pre-budget submission to the federal government in late 2015.
“Today’s announcement by Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Clark was a reaffirmation that governments are serious about tackling congestion across our region,” said Iain Black, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. “These key projects will help keep our region moving. It’s a great first step toward improving the flow of not only people, but also goods and cargo, which is crucial to our local businesses and the health of our broader economy.”
The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has long supported the Mayors’ Council plan for transit and transportation, both as an independent organization, and as a founding member of the Better Transit and Transportation Coalition.
In the months ahead, the Board of Trade will continue to work with all levels of government to ensure that our region’s transit and transportation challenges are addressed. The Board will also continue to advocate for critical non-transit related investments in Canada’s Pacific Gateway, including our roads and highways, bridges, rail network, and our port.
In particular, the Board of Trade would like to see focus expanded to include other projects necessary to the growth of our region, such as the replacement of the George Massey Tunnel, improved port and rail capacity across the region, and a six-lane replacement for the aging Pattullo Bridge in cooperation with TransLink. These projects are key for not only our regional economy, but for our provincial and national economies, and delivering on them will require an integrated approach. The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade looks forward to working will all levels of government to move our region forward.
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About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:
Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Pacific Canada’s leading business association, engaging members to positively impact public policy at all levels of government and to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one third of B.C.’s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through four unique Signature Programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events businesses in the country, providing a platform for national and international business and thought leaders to further enlighten B.C.’s business leaders.
Media contact:
Greg Hoekstra
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com