Chouhan Concerned About Gateway's Impact on Burnaby
VICTORIA — Burnaby-Edmonds MLA Raj Chouhan is concerned about the negative impact the Gateway Program will have on the residents of Burnaby.
Yesterday, Premier Gordon Campbell released the Program Definition Report of the Gateway Program, a $3 billion transportation infrastructure project being proposed for the Lower Mainland. The program includes several large projects, such as the twinning of the Port Mann Bridge, that stand to increase traffic flow throughout the region. NDP Transportation critic David Chudnovsky has raised a number of serious concerns about the project and its anticipated impact on local communities.
Chouhan is seriously concerned about the potential negative impact this project will have on the city. "The impact of this project on the City of Burnaby is of particular concern, as the Gateway Program has not made any consideration for the increased road traffic and environmental pollution that will result along with the increased pressure on our streets," said Chouhan.
"Key arteries like Canada Way, 6th Street, 10th Avenue, Edmonds Street and McBride will experience significant increases in volume due to the twinning of the Port Mann," said Chouhan. "And the Patullo Bridge, the alternative route for those who want to avoid the tolls, will feed even more traffic into the City. The Patullo will not be able to handle the increased volume as it is a much older structure and is already unsafe for the current traffic volume."
Chouhan also addressed the impact of the Gateway Program on the quality of life of Burnaby residents. "With increased traffic comes increased vehicle emissions, and those emissions carry an environmental, personal and health cost," said Chouhan. "We need to carefully consider not only the costs in the evaluation of the Gateway Program, but the fact it has not addressed the negative effects it could have on the community at large."
Chouhan urged Burnaby residents to get involved in the upcoming consultation process to voice their opinion of the Gateway Program and its possible negative effects on the city and the region.
"I encourage all residents to get involved in the public consultation process," said Chouhan. "Let's be sure that our voices are heard as this process moves forward."