Editor:
The Council of Canadians had an event on the upcoming transit referendum last week. This event was open to all as are all our events.
Our speaker was transportation consultant and "yes" supporter Eric Doherty. He has a master's degree from UBC in transportation planning and is well versed in the history and ongoing issues in our transit system.
Most were there to learn more and have their questions and concerns answered. I expected there would be some "no" supporters as this referendum has generated controversy. I thought this would be a good forum to discuss their concerns.
However, there were a small number of "no" supporters who were there to disrupt, not to listen and participate. Unfortunately the referendum is making some people angry and they are projecting it towards the "yes" side.
This American-style referendum does not allow for a "smart conversation" for planning but reduces it to sound bites about taxes and government. That's an easy campaign, not a smart one, and not one that looks at what the transit needs are now and in the future.
For example, included in the referendum in a 30 per cent increase in HandyDART service, which has not been increased for years. Our community cares about health services as demonstrated by the event recently around cutbacks at our hospital. Many in our community will benefit from an increase in HandyDART.
Building more roads and adding lanes will not solve the problem. It will just increase congestion. As one city planner described it, "building more roads to solve traffic congestion is like trying to cure obesity by loosening your belt."
Our premier went ahead and announced billions for a bridge to replace the tunnel. This is not a solution. It will ease the situation for maybe four to seven years and then traffic gridlock will return.
Let's not get sidetracked by how much the TransLink CEO makes, etc. I do agree that it is too high, but let's looks at the big picture.
If the "no" side wins, transit will be set back a generation. With a population growth of a million or more projected for the Lower Mainland in the next 10 to 20 years, we will be crushed by gridlock and congestion.
By voting "no" you are not punishing TransLink or politicians, you are voting against your own self-interest and the interest of future generations. Let's not punish ourselves.
A "yes" vote for public transit is a good investment. It's good for heath, it's good for the environment, it eases congestion and gridlock, and it makes communities more livable.
Cathy Wilander
Chairperson Delta/Richmond chapter Council of Canadians
