New Westminster Mayor and Council unanimously endorse a ‘YES’ vote in Transportation and Transit Referendum
New Westminster - On January 12, 2015 in Committee of the Whole, New Westminster’s Mayor and Council unanimously voiced support for the TransLink Mayors’ Council Vision and Investment Plan as well as a ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming Metro Vancouver Transportation and Transit Plebiscite. The referendum provides Metro Vancouver residents with an opportunity to support proposed investments for managing congestion, providing attractive transportation alternatives and supporting the economy and the one million more people moving to, living and working in the region over the next 30 years.
“Being at the geographic centre of the Lower Mainland, it’s no secret that New Westminster experiences significant transportation and transit challenges both for local residents and people travelling through our city,” said New Westminster Mayor Jonathan Coté. “We firmly believe that a successful result in the transportation referendum is essential to creating a livable future for our community as well as for the region.”
In June 2014, the Mayor’s Council on Regional Transportation put forward a transportation investment plan which outlines key pedestrian, cycling, transit, and road upgrades including construction of a new Surrey LRT line and extension of the Millennium Line SkyTrain in Vancouver as well as increased bus, Seabus, and HandyDART service. The investments in the plan will allow for 70% of the region’s residents to have access to frequent transit, including most New Westminster residents. The investment package will be funded by contributions from both the provincial and federal governments as well as a modest 0.5% sales tax increase applied to purchases in Metro Vancouver.
From March 16th to May 29th Metro Vancouver residents will vote by mail-in ballot on the question: “Do you support a new 0.5% Metro Vancouver Congestion Improvement Tax, to be dedicated to the Mayors’ Transportation and Transit Plan?”
“Along with my Council colleagues, I encourage all residents to learn more about the plan and the referendum,” said Coté. “We also want to encourage residents to ensure they are on the voters list and to update their contact information with Elections BC if necessary.”
More information on the referendum is available at www.newwestcity.ca.
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Contact:
Blair Fryer
Manager, Economic Development and Communications
City of New Westminster
604-527-4688