News Releases
Province Needs Better Public Transit Consultations Process
June 2, 2008 – Chambers of Commerce from across the province are calling for a better consultation process in public transportation projects to ensure that the 33,000 plus businesses they represent are not unduly disrupted without warning when such projects are undertaken, or if such projects are substantially revised.
Delegates from BC’s business community, gathered at the BC Chamber of Commerce 56th Annual General Meeting and Conference, raised concerns that as the province undertakes significant public transportation projects the business community that are affected by large construction projects must be fully consulted on all elements of a project, from design to construction for the full length of the project.
“What we’re asking for is simply assurance from government that business is provided certainty regarding the scope and scale of a project, for the lifetime of the project,” said John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber. “Whether this consultation is carried out by the government or by local bodies such as Translink who have responsibilities for public transit, we would like to see it become part of the standard procedure for developing these projects.”
The Chamber’s concerns come in the wake of the provincial government’s January 2008 announcement of $14.8 billion dollars in new funding for public transportation infrastructures across the province.
“It would be irresponsible to deploy these funds without first ensuring that any proposed project be designed, developed and constructed to the satisfaction of both government and business,” said Winter. “While the Province has a full consultation process as they undertake significant public transportation projects, our members expressed concern that this commitment does not continue if the parameters or design of a project change after the project commences.”
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For more information on this issue please contact;
John Winter
President & CEO
BC Chamber of Commerce
D 604 638 8110
C 604.376.3577
E jwinter@bcchamber.org
