Light rapid transit to Delta remains nothing more than wishful thinking, but that doesn't mean federal money won't eventually be made available for such a project.
The Conservative government this week tabled its latest federal budget, which contains some specific transportation infrastructure projects, works mainly earmarked for Eastern Canada. A bigger pot of money for transportation infrastructure was announced a year ago, however that funding requires agreements and further details. It's all part of the Economic Action Plan 2013, which pledges major dollars for public transportation infrastructure, including the $53 billion New Building Canada Plan.
That plan would see the building of roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail and other public infrastructure in cooperation with provinces, territories and municipalities over 10 years. Delta-Richmond East MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, the
minister of national revenue, told the Optimist the fund is aimed at projects that have regional as well as national significance, and in many cases would encourage greater involvement of the private sector through P3 partnerships.
Surrey has sought federal funding for light rapid transit, but it's competing with Vancouver's bid for a subway along the Broadway corridor. Both projects would cost billions. Another project that could end up competing for the same dollars is the bridge to replace the George Massey Tunnel.
Should ground-level rail transportation come to Surrey, it wouldn't be a stretch to have a connection into North Delta.
Delta engineering director Stephen Lan said during the North Delta Area Plan process the future of Scott Road was examined. A cross-section was identified that could provide sufficient width for a rapid transit lane, possibly light rail.
A vocal advocate for light rail south of the Fraser River, Coun. Bruce McDonald believes extending it from Surrey to North Delta makes sense.
As far as bringing light rail into South Delta, McDonald said that's also feasible. It's also something that will make even more sense as many more people will live and work south of the Fraser.
"Surrey is talking about running a light rail transit right out the King George Boulevard, so we're not talking about long distances here. Let's talk about how we could connect.
"The bottom line is once you get the spine put in place, then you work on getting the ribs," he said. "South Delta would likely be one of the ribs."
McDonald said it also makes sense to also have light rapid transit added to the future George Massey Tunnel replacement bridge, where it would stop in Ladner with connections elsewhere.
