Stuck in traffic? We have a choice!
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Reckless spending or sensible solutions?
Communities at a crossroads
Thanks to some great decisions made by our leaders over time, the region south of the Fraser River in Metro Vancouver is one of the finest places on Earth to live.
We know that our communities face serious problems associated with fast growth and urbanization. The question is, can we carry on the tradition of good decision-making, and pass on the best of this place to future generations? I believe the answer is, yes we can – if we step up and do the right thing now.
Born in Langley, raised in Surrey, and now living in New Westminster, my life has spanned both sides of the Fraser River. I have witnessed first hand the rapid increase of cars and trucks that is clogging up our streets, polluting our air and water, and filling our lives with traffic noise. This is deeply troubling to me and I am sure to you too.
What we decide in the next little while will determine the fate of our region for generations to come...
I believe that we are at a crossroads. What we decide in the next little while will determine the fate of our region for generations to come. It seems pretty clear to me that the so-called “Gateway Program” will lead to even more car traffic pouring through our neighborhoods, with more pollution, noise and traffic deaths (recent reports show that there are 3,000 deaths a year in Canada due to traffic accidents). Unfortunately, our provincial government appears poised to take this deadly wrong turn.
Premier Gordon Campbell wants to spend billions of dollars on the Gateway Program to double the Port Mann Bridge, expand Highway 1 and supersize roads all over the region. He has suggested this will help “ease gridlock”. If simply expanding highways was the solution to traffic problems, Los Angeles would be the model of perfection. Fact is, Highway expansion always worsens congestion in the long run.
But Premier Campbell also supports increased public transit – which is a hopeful sign. Our community needs to work together to convince our government to abandon the dead end freeway, bridge and road expansion plans. The sensible thing would be to take that multi - billion dollar savings and really beef up the public transit plans to adequate levels.
Anyway, that’s the way I see it. Read on to see what other area residents think, and what we can do about it.
