North Shore Mayors urge voters to tell candidates: it’s our turn for rapid transit
October 1, 2024
77% of North Shore residents believe transit is an important election issue, the highest percentage of any community in Metro Vancouver
North Vancouver, B.C. – Today, the Mayors of the City and District of North Vancouver will gather alongside local business owners and members of the community in support of the Save Transit campaign – urging provincial election candidates to commit to fixing TransLink’s broken funding model and encouraging the community to act by sending a letter to their local candidates.
“We are sounding the alarm. North Shore residents, employers and workers have had enough of traffic congestion and overcrowding on buses,” said Linda Buchanan, Mayor of the City of North Vancouver. “The Mayors of the North Shore have worked to ensure rapid transit for our communities is a priority in the Access for Everyone Plan, but instead of moving forward, our transit system is under threat. Without provincial funding, we are facing drastic cuts to service that will immediately put thousands more cars on our roads.”
A recent Mayors’ Council survey revealed that 77 per cent of North Shore residents believe transit is an important election issue and a majority are concerned about possible cuts.
TransLink faces a structural deficit of over $600 million and with no new funding committed to-date by government, it is not only preparing to put the Access for Everyone plans on hold, but also preparing to make significant cuts to service that will have catastrophic effects throughout the region. Despite TransLink making significant cost cutting measures, it is still not nearly enough to address the deficit.
“Whether you are driving along the Upper Levels Highway, getting through town on city streets or trying to access either of the bridges, traffic congestion has become a grim reality for the North Shore that is only getting worse as our population grows,” said Mike Little, Mayor of the District of North Vancouver. “We can’t delay better transit infrastructure any longer. We have the plan for transit expansion, and we’re ready to go. The residents of the North Shore deserve to know whether provincial election candidates will commit to ensuring we have the resources available to continue to grow as a region.”
Without a new, sustainable funding model for TransLink, plans for a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line between Park Royal and Metrotown will be shelved. Instead, transit cuts will mean most bus service on the North Shore would be reallocated to higher population areas in the region. The remaining bus service could end at 8pm, stranding thousands of commuters.
A recent report by InterVISTAS Consulting Inc. outlining the economic impact of service cuts cited that much of the North Shore would be left with little to no transit access. Across Metro Vancouver, the report notes that congestion would increase by up to 20% with over 200 million additional hours of automobile and truck traffic.
An interruption to the Access for Everyone plan and service cuts will also have a negative impact on the North Shore’s economy. The same economic impact report also cited that congestion from transit cuts could limit mobility for workers and make jobs on the North Shore more difficult to access. Fewer people would be willing to travel in and out of the North Shore for work and those that do would likely have to travel by vehicle, further adding to congestion. This, in turn, would shrink the North Shore job pool and hinder economic growth, productivity and output.
“The North Shore is an invaluable contributor to the regional and national economy,” Mayor Buchanan added. “We are home to Canada’s largest port and many other vital employers. If congestion prevents these employers from delivering, the economic ripple effect will be felt well beyond the North Shore.”
Recently, the Mayors’ Council sent an open letter to B.C. political party leaders calling for them to commit to immediate funding for TransLink post-election in order to roll out the first phase of the Access for Everyone transit expansion plan starting in April 2025. Organizations from around the region have joined the Mayors’ Council in calling for transit investment, emphasizing how important transit is to the region.
“As the election approaches, we need North Shore residents to make their voices heard and for candidates to listen,” added Mayor Little. “We have had enough of congestion and delays. It’s time for the next Provincial government to do the right thing, support the Access for Everyone plan and save transit for our community and our region.”
Metro Vancouver residents can visit the website www.accessforeveryone.ca, enter their name, postal code and email, and a letter will be sent to their local candidates and provincial party leaders urging them to invest in public transit and avoid cuts to services.
Quotes:
“Reliable public transit is the backbone of thriving local economies, and here on the North Shore, it’s essential for our businesses and employees alike. Without it, we risk isolating our community, making it harder for workers to reach their jobs and for customers to access the businesses they love. Transit cuts would have a ripple effect, slowing down our economic growth and putting even more pressure on the ability of local businesses to sustain themselves. It’s time for provincial leaders to recognize the unique needs of our community and secure the future of public transit for the North Shore.” – Jon Bevan, Executive Director, Lower Lonsdale BIA
“Rapid transit investment is critical to the future of our regions’ economy. Getting the best employees to their best jobs efficiently and predictably through rapid transit is an investment for generations.” – Patrick Stafford-Smith, President and CEO, North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
“For many of our students, reliable public transit is the only way they can access education. Without it, their opportunities shrink, and our community loses the talent and innovation they bring. Service cuts would create significant barriers and disrupt many lives. We need provincial leaders to recognize that investing in transit is an investment in the future of our students, our workforce, and our region.” – Paul Dangerfield, President and Vice-Chancellor, Capilano University
“Parking lots at Capilano University are overflowing because students don’t have enough viable public transit options to get to campus. More needs to be done to support students with reliable and accessible transportation, ensuring they can focus on their education without the worry of how to get there. It’s time for greater transit funding on the North Shore, not less – students deserve better.” – Angad Brar, President, Capilano Students’ Union.
“Investing in public transit for the North Shore is a triple win for our communities. Not only will it address climate change but better transportation options have major beneficial economic and social impacts for people and business. We know how important this investment will be for the people we serve at North Shore Community Resources. Public transit is a lifeline for them in many ways.” – Murray Mollard, Executive Director, North Shore Community Resources
“As the owner of an art gallery, we draw attention from audiences from all over the lower mainland. Our business depends on progressive and diverse transit options. After spending decades traveling the world and across Canada the common thread I have found with cities whose businesses thrive, are based on strong opportunities for getting around. I am so proud to own a business in the city of North Vancouver, which I believe does an excellent job of prioritizing our needs to be a unique, desirable and thriving community. In order to ensure this continues as we grow, it is the ability to move to and from with ease that will mostly impact our opportunities to be the rare mountain city(ies) gems we are.” – Jessica Arbour, Owner, Ashdale Gallery
About the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation
The Mayors’ Council is the collective voice of Metro Vancouver residents on transit and transportation. Our members include representatives from each of the 21 municipalities in TransLink’s service area, as well as Electoral Area ‘A’ and the Tsawwassen First Nation. It is responsible for approving TransLink’s transportation plans, identifying local funding and negotiating with other levels of government to make those plans a reality.
Media Contacts:
David MacLean dmaclean@earnscliffe.ca 672-339-6637
Anna Lilly anna@earnscliffe.ca 604-505-9048