The Tri-Cities have another supporter in their bid to have the province choose the northwest route for the Evergreen Line.

New Westminster council this week voted to support the northwest alignment, saying it’s the best option for the Royal City.

A southeast line would place more pressure on New Westminster, states a staff report, and stations along that line would result in higher population and land density in southern Coquitlam.

Those land use changes would influence New Westminster neighbourhoods. The report also notes construction of the southeast line would result in traffic delays and backups while construction of the northwest line would be benign.

Coquitlam wants the densification of Maillardville and the Braid industrial lands, and that could potentially result in more traffic in New Westminster if the southeast line is built, said New West Coun. Bill Harper.

As part of New West council’s motion supporting the northwest SkyTrain line option, council also recommended a southeast rapid bus, or B-line, service be put in place.

B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation asked for the input of Tri-City councils by Monday. But those cities have also asked Burnaby and New Westminster to comment on the Evergreen Line options.

newsroom@tricitynews.com