Metro Vancouver mayors agree to suspend Surrey LRT, start process for SkyTrain to Langley

Mayors across Metro Vancouver have voted to indefinitely suspend plans for light-rapid transit lines in Surreyand have asked TransLink to put forward a business case fora SkyTrain extension toLangley.

The Mayors' Council approved a motion "recognizing the City of Surrey request to change the technology and timing of the Fraser Highway project from LRT to SkyTrain," paving the way for Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum'selection promise to come to fruition.

"We have a golden opportunity to move forward and start building in this region," said McCallum during a 14-minute speech to mayors about why they should reverse the long-planned decision to build light-rapid transit to Guildford and Newton first.

"There wasn'tpublic consulting done. This was all decided by the past council. That's why they were defeated. They didn't listen to the public. And I will also say TransLink did not listen to the public."

The change requires both the federal and provincial governments to agree to transfer dedicated funding from LRTto the SkyTrainextension, but that appears likely to happen.

"If he can convince his colleagues at the Mayors'Council to amend the plan, I'm happy to talk to them, but that will mean delays in the long term, and if that's what the mayors wishesare, then we'll have to go with that," said Premier John Horgan, an hour before the vote took place.

Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart says he expects the same response from the federal government.

"In speaking with the prime minister, he indicated Ottawa would be taking direction from us," said Stewart.

TransLink staff will provide more information to mayors about business cases and possible timelines for consultation, design and procurement at itsnext meetingDec. 13.

Two stages

While work will begin immediately on planning for a SkyTrainline to Langley, TransLinkis cautioning that it will likely take time for the 17 kilometre line to be fully completed.

"Management advises that it'slikely that SkyTrain from Surrey to Langley would have to be constructed in two phases," wrote TransLink in its report to mayors, saying there was approximately a billion dollar funding gap that has not been committedto by senior levels of government.

It means the line could first end at Fleetwood or Cloverdale, but TransLinkwill be working on the business case for the entire line.

In addition,Geoff Cross, the vice-president ofpolicy and planning forTransLink, told mayors that the $1.58 billion committed to LRTwould take time to be transferredand would require talks with the federalTreasury Board, among other groups.

Cot new chair

The meeting began with the election of New Westminster Jonathan Cotas chair of the Mayors' Council and Langley Township Mayor Jack Froeseas vice-chair.

"I myself have gone through a bit of a process coming to terms with the change in direction," said Cot, explaining his vote in support of changing rapid transit in Surrey.

"[But] you do need to have strong partnerships with the host municipality."

Cot, who was just one of five mayors re-elected in Metro Vancouver in October, was formerly the head of thefunding-strategycommittee. He replaces Derek Corriganas chair of the organization, and both he and Froesewill sit on the TransLink board.

Friday also brings another election of regional chairs, as the first Metro Vancouver board meeting takes place, where members will elect a chair to replace former Port Coquitlam mayor Greg Moore.