As battle lines form in the weeks leading up to the May 9 provincial election, Metro Vancouver’s municipalities are grilling the major parties on the issues that hit close to home, including affordable housing, transit, environmental protection and funding for major capital projects.
Each party has been sent a survey asking for their platforms on provincial issues that municipalities still bear the brunt of.
“We’re right there on the front lines. We hear every day what the concerns are and we’re hearing loud and clear it’s housing and congestion and transportation issues.The North Shore is not separate from the others,” said City of North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto.
On the capital projects front, Metro is still hoping the province will put up one-third of the cost for the new $700-million Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant, lest the burden fall solely on local utility bills. Mussatto said he is optimistic that funding announcement will happen before the election writ drops.
“We’re anxiously waiting. We’ve heard some positive signs out of the province and we haven’t had any ‘Nos’ so we really hoping we hear something in the next couple weeks,” Mussatto said. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we get a significant contribution from the province still.”
The parties have until March 31 to respond to the survey. Soon after, the results will be posted online at localgovernmentmatters.com.
– Brent Richter
