Transit referendum No-side crowdfunds to fly banner over city
Campaign to fly 'Vote No" from a plane reached its fundraising goal in less than five hours Friday
The upcoming transit referendum's No side quickly raised money Friday to fly a "Vote No to TransLink Tax" banner advertising over the city for several hours.
"I think it's a testament to the fact that 'No' supporters aren't just willing to cast their ballots no, they're actually willing to put their money where their mouth is to fight this tax," said No-side organizer Jordan Bateman.
According to Bateman, about 60 supporters donated approximately $2,000 in five hours towards hiring a plane for six hours to fly a banner over the city and again next week.
- Metro Vancouver's transit referendum: full coverage
- Transit referendum: Is TransLink really wasting taxpayers' money?
"We went to the people and they voluntarily stepped up," said Bateman. "I love the support from our folks, the passion on the 'No' side, and I think that'll stand us in good stead."
The banner flew over the BMO Vancouver Marathon on Sunday morning. It also circled the office tower that houses TransLink headquarters.
Bateman says so far the No side has raised about $40,000 for its overall campaign.
Voters started receiving their ballots for the upcoming Metro Vancouver transit plebiscite in mid-March, asking whether they support a 0.5 per cent sales tax to go towards transportation improvements in the region.
Ballots have to be returned by mail by May 29.