Thoughts on BC Politics and More

... weeks of failed negotiations culminated in the stoppage earlier this week that shut down most bus and SeaBus services in Metro Vancouver and left hundreds of thousands of commuters without a ride. The clock is ticking on the next strike. The province has dispatched Vince Ready, a veteran labour negotiator, to try to broker a deal between the two parties. If that fails, CUPE national representative Liam O’Neill said, the union would launch a three-day strike starting on February 3 ... CLICK HERE for the rest of the story

The British Columbia government introduced legislation Wednesday it estimates could provide up to 100,000 new homes near designated transit areas over the next decade. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon said the proposed legislation is aimed at encouraging communities to build housing in areas it is calling transit hubs. The legislation is among a series of housing-related bills introduced this fall by the New Democrat government to tackle what has become a crisis for the lack of housing and the high prices to rent or buy ... CLICK HERE for the full story

I’d like you to take a minute to read the following headline, from a BC Government media release sent out today … “ Province helps fund Metro Vancouver transit and transportation improvements ” Now upon reading this, would you think the same as I did?   The government plans to provide new funding to help with transit difficulties in the lower mainland?   If that is indeed what you thought, like me, we’d both be wrong. No, instead here is what is actually happening. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, headed by the Honourable Selina Robinson, has proposed changes ('changes' = tax increases) to the Parking Rights Tax – and that is what will help TransLink fund major transit and transportation improvements to keep people and goods moving quickly, safely and affordably in Metro Vancouver. Apparently, TransLink has projected that the increases to the Parking Rights Tax will bring in and additional $10 million a year in new revenue from what the...

Just in case you didn’t know it. “ Metro Vancouver is home to some of the fastest-growing cities in Canada .” AND … “ Modern, efficient transit systems are needed more than ever to reduce traffic congestion, connect businesses and communities, and meet the needs of a rapidly growing population .” This afternoon Justin Trudeau, and BC Premier John Horgan, announced more than $3 billion in federal and provincial funding for two major rapid transit projects in Metro Vancouver … the Broadway Subway project … and the Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project. Luckily however, at least one reporter was on the ball asking, “All of these things have been announced before – why are we here – is this just a photo op?”