GENERAL
VALTAC
is the Valley Transportation Advisory Committee. This inclusive group of
concerned citizens and professionals aims to facilitate education and discussion
and represent public opinion concerning transportation.
VALTAC MISSION STATEMENT
VALTAC is a non-partisan non-profit
organization with the objective of encouraging workable, affordable and
environmentally sensitive transportation systems in the Lower Mainland.
VALTAC desires to educate the
public and to share in voicing their transportation concerns to Municipal,
Provincial and Federal Governments on the present transportation crisis
affecting our region.
VALTAC supports and
encourages regional planning.
VALTAC
OBJECTIVES
1. The development
of a long - range (50 year) Master Transportation Plan for the Lower Mainland.
2. The development
of an alternate and safer route for bulk and container traffic in the
Langley area.
3. The development
of efficient, workable and affordable transportation systems,
that include light rail at surface levels, with growth capability as required.
4. A Livable Region
Strategy that would develop in concert with the development of the transportation
network.
VALTAC
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
VALTAC reflects the
need to involve the community in resolving transportation problems in
the Lower Mainland. Successful initiatives in other areas focus our attention
on the urgent transportation needs of the Fraser Valley. However, the
committee recognizes the importance of considering other areas of the
Lower Mainland as required
Summary Recommendations
Long Range Master Transportation
Plan
We need one Lower Mainland Plan with three parts to it.
1. Vancouver area including North and West Vancouver,
Richmond, New Westminster and Burnaby
2. North of Fraser communities, Coquitlam to Mission
3. South of Fraser communities, Delta to Hope.
Plans to include roads,
rail, bus and rail public transit, bridges, park and ride, parking, and,
bicycle routes. The BC Minister of Transport would initiate the Plan and
the action group would include one rep. From each jurisdiction plus groups
such as TransLInk, port authority’s, and, GVRD.
The group would have one year to come up with an approved plan. The plan
would be subject to an annual review and update. All existing plans would
be reviewed and either deleted or incorporated in the master plan, which
should then be integrated with municipal transportation plans. All new
projects would conform with and fit in with the Master Plan.
Re-Routing of Container and Coal Train
Rail Traffic
The Federal Minister of Transport, working with the provincial Minister,
will be asked to order the railways to stop all container and coal rail
traffic on the old BCE right-of-way from north Surrey to Chilliwack. Traffic
to Delta Port would be via existing CN and Burlington Northern, or, from
the existing CN line to Delta Port by way of a new rail line, which aligns
with the new South Perimeter Road. A new rail bridge over the Fraser River
at or near New Westminster should also be built to eliminate going back
to Mission to cross. This would eliminate the need for some of the very
expensive rail overpasses in Langley and Surrey and permit using the BCE
right-of-way rail for passenger service and local rail freight. This re-routing
would save the railways $millions over the long haul.
Light Rail Rapid Transit, Surrey to
Chilliwack
The old BCE right-of-way would become available for transit once container
and coal rail traffic was re-routed. The line serves existing town centres,
post secondary educational facilities and many commercial/industrial areas.
It would also permit rail transit between Vancouver and Abbotsford international
airports.
To ensure maximum usage park-and-ride plus bus feeder routes would be
needed. This one initiative would save $billions and get people out of
cars.
Livable Region
With the present system we have uncoordinated development and transportation
trying to catch up. The result is very costly transportation upgrades,
traffic gridlock, environmental problems and much wasted time moving people
and materials. We are in danger of having another Los Angeles type city
in the Fraser Valley. The agricultural lands of the valley are threatened.
A Livable Region Strategy must be developed in conjunction with the master
transportation plan. The BC Minister responsible for Municipal Affairs
must get involved in developing a Livable Region Strategy that fits and
enhances the transportation system.
General
We cannot afford to plan development and transportation as we do at present.
We must get value for all money invested and we must have transportation
systems that are practical, cost effective and efficient. Let us work
together and do what is right.
|
