BC Business
A Broadway subway line and rapid transit in Surrey are a step closer to reality after a funding deal was reached this week between the federal government, the province and TransLink. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Vancouver on Thursday to announce the deal, joined by Premier Christy Clark and Mayor Gregor Robertson. Altogether, $740 million will be put toward capital projects in Metro Vancouver. “As our economy continues to grow, transit infrastructure needs to keep pace,” said Clark. “This investment will help meet rising demand, ease congestion, lower our carbon footprint and enhance our quality of life.” The federal government will be providing $370 million in the first phase of Metro Vancouver’s 10-year transit plan, with the province contributing $246 million and TransLink paying $125 million. The region becomes the first jurisdiction in Canada to access funding from the $6.8-billion public transit infrastructure fund, which was a major election promise of the Liberal Party’s 2015 campaign. An estimated $157 million was designated for planning and design of the Broadway subway line and the Surrey rapid transit project. Robertson told reporters on Thursday that he expects the two projects to break ground within 18 months. Existing rapid transit lines will also be improved and expanded, and a total of 50 SkyTrain and Canada Line cars added. A third SeaBus is also part of the package deal. Another $94 million will be spent on improving the bus and rail network, including in the areas of Lonsdale Quay, 22 Avenue Station, Guildford and Newton.
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Doctor, doctor! The shortage of family physicians in B.C. is believed to have reached a historical high. (Vancouver Sun)