Will it be contemporary steel and concrete? Or wood, brick and heritage lamp standards?

The public will get to choose the decor for the Evergreen Line stations during a series of open house meetings taking place this month.

While the mayors and the province talk about how TransLink will raise the money to fund its $400 million share of the $1.4-billion rapid transit line, Tri-City residents are being asked to comment on design, bus connections and traffic management for the six confirmed stations for the Burnaby-to-Coquitlam line.

A series of open houses has started and continue this weekend in Burnaby.

They will start informally, giving members of the public an opportunity to look at picture boards, provide feedback and quiz officials, and will conclude with a question-and-answer session, according to a Ministry of Transportation spokesperson.

In addition to choosing the landscaping, station and plaza features, residents can also offer feedback on what kind of trees they would like to see planted around the stations. Among the choices are flowering pear and red maple, hornbeam and white flowering dogwood.

Although choosing the design features seems like a small contribution to make to one of the largest transportation infrastructure projects to come to the Tri-Cities, the look and feel of the stations are important to communities.

According to a discussion guide — available in pdf format at www.evergreenline.gov.bc.ca — respondents in earlier consultations said they want the stations to have a unique look while still blending into the character of the neighbourhood.

They also want some common elements, such as way-finding signage and safety features. The designs feature glass and wood to keep sight lines clear and showcase B.C. forest products.

Fare gates accessed with "smart cards" will also be introduced to the new stations and there will be 500 new park-and-ride spaces and bike racks provided. Public comment is requested on these arrangements as well as bus connections.

The following meetings are scheduled.

• Saturday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cameron rec complex, Burnaby;

• Saturday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Coquitlam city hall;

• Monday, Oct. 25, 6 to 9 p.m., Cameron rec complex;

• Wednesday, Oct. 27, 6 to 9 p.m., Inlet Theatre, Port Moody;

• Saturday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Port Moody rec complex.

dstrandberg@tricitynews.com