Aug 5,2007 - Tri CIty News

By Janis Warren The Tri-City News

Aug 05 2007

Dismayed at citizens’ confusion over the Evergreen Line, a Port Moody city councillor has posted an online survey to gauge the community’s views on the $970-million light rail transit (LRT) project.

Last month, Coun. Mike Clay posted the questionnaire on his website (www.mikeclay.ca) to gain feedback on residents’ preferred technology and alignment from Lougheed Town Centre to Douglas College in Coquitlam.

The 11.2-kilometre, 12-station light-rail line is expected to be built by 2011 via Burquitlam and Port Moody, although there is currently a $400-million funding gap.

Clay told The Tri-City News he has spoken with many people about the LRT project and many have concerns about the costs and tunnelling through Clarke Road Hill. As well, several residents are still holding out hope the government will change the technology to SkyTrain, he said.

In his survey, which is not scientific, Clay poses 35 questions split into six categories: awareness, technology, routing, cost and funding, P3s and personal information.

Some of his questions include:

• What do you see as the primary goal of mass transit in the Tri-Cities?

• Who will the Evergreen Line serve?

• What is your preferred choice of technology for the Tri-Cities transit service?

• Do you feel it is important to serve Burquitlam area with any northeast sector mass transit system? and

• Do you think mass transit in the northeast sector is worth $1 billion investment of tax dollars?

Clay said if he gets substantial feedback, he’ll pass on survey results to his council colleagues and city staff.

TransLink, the regional transportation agency responsible for building Evergreen, last gauged the public’s views on the project in October 2006.

Partnerships BC is now reviewing TransLink’s business plan on behalf of B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Highways to see whether the LRT project would suit a public-private partnership.

A decision from Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon Evergreen is expected this fall.

jwarren@tricitynews.com