Vancouver Metropolitan Mayors Suspend Surrey Light Rail and Launch SkyTrain Process for Langley

The mayors of Metro Vancouver have decided to indefinitely suspend the construction of light and fast transit lines in Surrey and have asked TransLink to present a business case for an extension of SkyTrain to Langley.

The Council of Mayors approved a motion "recognizing the City of Surrey's request to change the technology and timing of the LRT Fraser Highway Project at SkyTrain", paving the way for the Mayor's election promise in Surrey, Doug McCallum.

"We have a golden opportunity to go forward and start building in this region," McCallum said during a 14-minute speech to the mayors about why they should cancel the planned decision to build a rapid rapid transit system to Guildford and Newton.

"No public consultation was done, all of which was decided by the previous council, which is why they were beaten, they did not listen to the audience, and I will say that TransLink did not listen to the audience. "

The change requires the federal and provincial governments to agree to transfer dedicated TLR funding to the SkyTrain extension, but this seems likely.

"If he manages to convince his colleagues in the council of mayors to change the plan, I'll be happy to talk to them, but that will lead to long-term delays, if that's the wish of the mayor, we'll have to go with that." Prime Minister John Horgan said an hour before the vote.

Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart says he's expecting the same response from the federal government.

"In talking with the Prime Minister, he said … Ottawa would take instructions from us," Stewart said.

TransLink staff will provide more information to mayors on business cases and possible timelines for consultation, design and procurement at its next meeting on December 13th.

two step

Although planning work for a SkyTrain line to Langley begins immediately, TransLink warns that it will likely take time for the 17-kilometer line to be fully completed.

"Management indicates that it is likely that SkyTrain from Surrey to Langley will have to be built in two phases," TransLink wrote in its report to the mayors, explaining that there was a funding shortfall of "$ 30 million. about $ 1 billion to which senior levels of government have not committed. .

This means that the line could end first at Fleetwood or Cloverdale, but TransLink will work on the business case for the entire line.

In addition, Geoff Cross, TransLink's Vice President of Policy and Planning, told mayors that the $ 1.58 billion LRT commitment would take time to be transferred and would require discussions with the federal Treasury Board. , among other groups.

Side new chair

The meeting began with the election of New Cotton Westminster, Jonathan Coté, as mayor's chair and vice-mayor of the Township of Langley, Jack Froese.

"I myself have followed a process to make a change of direction," said Coté, explaining his vote to change the rapid transit in Surrey.

"[But] you must establish strong partnerships with the host municipality. "

Listed, who was one of five re-elected mayors in the Greater Vancouver area in October, was previously head of the funding strategy committee. He replaces Derek Corrigan as president of the organization. He and Froese will sit on the TransLink Board of Directors.

On Friday, another election of Regional Presidents will be held on the occasion of the first meeting of the Greater Vancouver Board of Directors, during which members will elect a President to replace the former Mayor of Port Coquitlam. Greg Moore.