Moving ahead transportation in the Northeast Sector
The Chamber hosted another successful luncheon at the Vancouver Golf Club, featuring Ian Jarvis, CEO of TransLink who spoke about the future of TransLink and how they are a business in transition.
Mayor Fassbender, Chair, TransLink Mayors’ Council discussed the role of the Mayors’ Council and the challenges the transit in Metro Vancouver. A new Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Province of BC and the Mayors’ Council to find a solution to the $400 million shortfall that was needed to complete the $1.2 billion Evergreen Line.
After signing the Memorandum of Understanding, Premier Gordon Campbell addressed the sold-out crowd sharing his commitment to finding a solution to making the Evergreen Line a reality. Premier Campbell challenged the audience by saying, “It’s time for us to have an adult conversation with people about the services we’re trying to provide, what services they want… And what trade-offs they’re likely to support.”
While no funding formula has been agreed upon yet, an agreement is expected to be reached before the New Year on how the Evergreen Line will be funded. According to Premier Campbell, construction is expected to start on the Evergreen Line next year with completion in 2014.
Stephanie Booth, Chair of Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce commented after the event saying, “The Evergreen line will good for businesses in the Tri-Cities, which includes Port Coquitlam and needs to be built as soon as possible. I hope that the Council of Mayors and the Province will finalize the funding agreement as they promised at the Chamber Luncheon on Thursday September 23, 2010.”
If you missed the event, you can view Premier Campbell’s speech on the Chamber’s YouTube Channel. Footage courtesy of Tri-Cities Community Television.
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Photos courtesy of Jeffrey D. Fairbank Photography.
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