Transit referendum question to be finalized by Metro Vancouver mayors
Mayors are expected to ask voters to approve $7.5B funding plan for expansion of regional infrastruture
There will be seven new faces around the table when the Metro Vancouver mayors meet today for the first time since last month's municipal elections to finalize the transit referendum question.
The mayors are expected to put together a question asking voters to approve a plan to raise $7.5 billion for a new 10-year transit infrastructure plan, including the Broadway subway, light rail in Surrey and a new Pattullo Bridge.
The mayors will then present their suggested question to the provincial government next week. Transportation Minister Todd Stone and the provincial cabinet will then choose whether to approve the question.
Metro Vancouver residents are then expected to have their say on the matter in June, 2015 when the final question is put to a referendum.
Premier Christy Clark first promised during the 2013 provincial election the government would hold a referendum on any new transit funding in Metro Vancouver, but the idea initially failed to gain the support of the mayors.
Since that time several have signed on, including Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, who says they still have some work to do to convince everyone.
"I think there is a lot of support to get the transit investment and campaign hard for the transit referendum to pass next year. The mayors have some work to do to convince the province."