National

Prime minister announces $1.3 billion for SkyTrain spur in Surrey and Langley, B.C.

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 09 Jul, 2021 01:01 PM

The federal government is providing up to $1.3 billion to extend Metro Vancouver's SkyTrain line through Surrey and Langley.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement in Surrey today with the SkyTrain line in the background and several protesters yelling in the plaza behind him.

Happening now in Surrey, British Columbia: We’re announcing an investment in public transit that will make communities stronger and commutes shorter - and so much more. Tune in now for more information: https://t.co/Hr02p9Cg88
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 9, 2021

He says the extension is 16 kilometres long and includes 8 stations, 3 bus exchanges and 30 more SkyTrains.

Trudeau, who was flanked by Infrastructure Catherine McKenna, B.C. Premier John Horgan, Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum and other politicians, says the project will create thousands of jobs and cut pollution.

We're a step closer to delivering on the Surrey ➡️ Langley SkyTrain.

People are getting back to commuting to work or school and coming together with family and friends.

It's critical we work in partnership to build the better, faster transit options British Columbians deserve.
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) July 9, 2021

Anita Huberman, the CEO of Surrey Board and Trade is not as thrilled about the transit expansion announcement expressing her legitimate concerns in a Twitter post.

A portion of the skytrain may be at ground level as it is built to Langley which in essence is LRT. Many wanted LRT because it connected already dense neighborhoods of Surrey. This skytrain doesn’t. @brendalockebc https://t.co/fCgRqnq3Uu
— Anita Huberman (@anitahuberman) July 9, 2021

In 2018, Trudeau announced federal government funding for a light rail line through Surrey, but a newly elected council passed a motion just months later cancelling the system in favour of a SkyTrain extension linked to other Metro Vancouver cities.

Trudeau has made several campaign-style stops this week in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

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