“Yes” vote in transit referendum would generate economic benefits, says coalition

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      The coalition supporting the “yes” side in this spring’s regional referendum on transit says improvements proposed by local mayors would boost the local economy by an average of $450 million a year over the next decade.

      Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson and Richmond mayor Malcolm Brodie, both members of the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation, presented the results of the study conducted by InterVISTAS Consulting at a news conference today (February 25).

      “It’s a huge boost for our economy, for creating jobs in the region, on top of reducing gridlock and traffic congestion,” Robertson told reporters at the Richmond-Brighouse Canada Line station.

      According to Gavin McGarrigle, the B.C. area director of Unifor and one of the four co-chairs of the Better Transit and Transportation Coalition, a “yes” vote would generate thousands of jobs in the region, for workers in fields including construction, engineering, machine operation, vehicle and technical operations, customer service, and maintenance.

      “These jobs on average can pay $85,000 a year,” he said. “Those are family sustaining, livable wages that help to build our community.”

      The mayors’ plan prioritizes transit and transportation improvements including increased frequency of existing train lines, two new LRT lines, a Millenium Line extension to Arbutus Street, a new Pattullo Bridge, and increased bus, B-line, night bus, and SeaBus service.

      “With over a million people moving here within the next 30 years, we need to help people, goods and services move more easily through the Metro Vancouver region,” Brodie said. “Implementing transportation and road improvements will help us avoid traffic and economic gridlock, while we enhance the environment.”

      Brodie called the Canada Line a “great example” of how livability and accessibility have been improved through transit improvements in the region.

      “Overall, the Canada Line removes tens of thousands of car trips from our local roads each day, and it’s significantly increased transit ridership in our community,” he said.

      Metro Vancouver residents will begin casting ballots in the plebiscite on March 16, which will ask voters whether they support a regional 0.5 percent sales-tax increase to support transit improvements.

      Iain Black, the president and CEO of the Vancouver Board of Trade and one of the co-chairs of the Better Transit and Transportation Coalition, said if Metro Vancouver residents approve the new tax, there will be “crucial safeguards” put in place to direct the revenues.

      “There will be legislated safeguards to separate out the money in Victoria, to ensure that it’s only spent on the elements contemplated, and to have this audited transparently on an annual basis,” said Black.

      The coalition backing the “yes” side in the transit referendum now consists of more than 110 groups, according to Black.

      Robertson said he’s optimistic that a “yes” vote will prevail, despite a recent Insights West poll that indicated support for the “no” side appears to be gaining steam.

      “I think we’ve seen a knee-jerk response initially that reflects everyone’s concerns around taxes, but this is about the future of our region, and I’m optimistic that we’re going to see a strong yes,” said Robertson.

      The February 20 poll showed that 53 percent of Metro Vancouver residents surveyed say they will “definitely” or “probably” vote no in the plebiscite.

      Opposition to the proposed tax increase is being led by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, which launched its No TransLink Tax campaign in December.

      Comments

      20 Comments

      Just sayin'

      Feb 25, 2015 at 2:49pm

      So, a study paid for by the yes side supports their talking points. Shocking.

      Finbarr Saunders

      Feb 25, 2015 at 2:56pm

      Great, if this initiative will generate $450 million/year in economic benefits there's no need to collect $250 million/year from taxpayers! Or you could collect the $250 million, and then when the $450 million windfall comes you can rebate taxpayers their money plus an extra $200 million, right?

      My god the nonsense the YES side trots out on a daily basis is embarrassing. They really do believe people are idiots. (unfortunately they aren't all wrong - according to polls there are still a handful of idiots out there that believe this garbage)

      I see propaganda

      Feb 25, 2015 at 3:02pm

      "Economic benefits" is a meaningless term used to market projects that will cost use money. Taking more money from taxpayers only benefits the bureaucracy: trickle down to services is non-existent. So far the Straight seems to be running 4 stories promoting "yes" for every story about the "no" side. Unfortunately there are always useful idiots willing to supprt the pillaging of taxpayers.

      Richmond Resident Zero

      Feb 25, 2015 at 3:30pm

      Can you smell the desperation coming out of the YES camp? Anyone have any body spray?

      nb

      Feb 25, 2015 at 7:19pm

      writing is on the wall for this.

      1.) People dont feel they need to be taxed more because they dont see the value for the extreme taxes we pay already

      2.) People dont think tanslink is responsible enough with the money they get to feel like its worth giving them more.

      Trickle Down BS

      Feb 25, 2015 at 7:38pm

      More BS.

      Crack generates Economic benefits too but no right minded person wants it on our streets.

      No Thanks.

      M Hart

      Feb 25, 2015 at 8:25pm

      Count me in for a YES! At the end of the day we need a transit system that supports the growing number of residents of Vancouver. If not we the people will ultimately suffer with longer wait times and unreliable service. Let's quit complaining and vote YES for a solution.

      no dice

      Feb 25, 2015 at 10:11pm

      If voting Yes is THAT beneficial, then quit raising our taxes ON TOP of nickel and diming us to death. These YES-men should demand that billion dollar surplus be injected into financing transit infrastructure. After all, it's an investment that apparently will reap untold fortunes.

      Sukmi Wang

      Feb 25, 2015 at 10:22pm

      First we're told it's for our own economic good to promote our home as being such a desirable destination to the world. Then when there's a hint some of them might like what they see and move in with us, it's suddenly OMG...the only we can deal with that is for everyone to open your wallets.

      Fricken b.s. Quit telling the world to come window shop.

      RealityCheck

      Feb 25, 2015 at 11:00pm

      Is the Straight now the beneficiary of so much Yes advertising that it's OK to publish Yes side press releases without even a modicum of analysis or criticism?

      Seriously, your coverage of this issue is becoming laughable.