Surrey’s SkyTrain Dream Gains Momentum
The promise to bring SkyTrain service to Surrey’s Newton neighborhood made by mayor-elect Doug McCallum during his campaign is now becoming a reality. Both major provincial parties in British Columbia are rallying to fulfill this vision.
BC Conservative interim leader Lorne Doerkson revealed a detailed plan to collaborate with federal authorities to facilitate the SkyTrain extension, despite the topic not being specified in their budget. BC Conservative MLA candidate Mandeep Dhaliwal assured that the project would be meticulously budgeted and executed.
Following this, McCallum commended the Conservatives for their dedication to the transit route, criticizing the BC NDP for what he perceived as mere talk. However, the BC NDP also stepped forward to endorse the project, mentioning the allocated $250 million in their platform for transit expansion.
NDP Leader David Eby emphasized the party’s commitment to working with Surrey officials to bring the SkyTrain to Newton. BC NDP MLA candidate Jessie Sunner noted productive conversations between Eby and McCallum post-election.
Despite the political maneuvering, TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn expressed reservations about the project, citing funding challenges and the need to sustain existing services. Research Co. president Mario Canseco highlighted the strategic motivations behind the parties’ announcements, emphasizing the significance of Surrey in the upcoming elections.
In a related development, Vancouver mayor-elect Pete Fry and BC Greens Leader Emily Lowan campaigned together, aiming to unite Green voters to avoid splitting the vote. Lowan asserted that the BC Greens’ presence enhances voter turnout rather than dividing it, dismissing the notion of a calculated power move.
Keyphrase: Surrey SkyTrain Expansion
