Metro Van looks at joint policy panel for transportation

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Metro Vancouver is borrowing an idea from San Francisco so it can do a better job of long- term planning for infrastructure projects.

“We’re looking at a multi-sectoral joint policy panel that will deal with infrastructure and transportation,” explains Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts.

“Those at the table would include transportation stakeholders such as the federal government, provincial government, airport authorities, Port Metro Vancouver and TransLink… instead of having each one work within their own purview… we’re all speaking to one another and sharing information,” she adds.

A report going to the Metro Vancouver Port Cities Committee suggests stakeholders in the Lower Mainland can improve upon working collaboratively.

“Metro Vancouver’s new Transportation Committee will have the primary mandate of finding ways to better integrate land use and transportation planning within the region and to improve the collaboration of the governments, agencies and other entities involved in making investments in major infrastructure in the region,” the report says.

The Bay Area in San Francisco has introduced a joint policy committee in 2004 and Watts says it has been a success. “This is an example of where this is done nearby.”

“This broadens the aspect of looking at all modes of transportation and how that is sustainable in the region,” she adds.

If the committee signs off on the proposal, the stakeholders will meet four times a year at an annual cost of $2,000.

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