Clark opens door to talks on new transit referendum date

VICTORIA – Premier Christy Clark says the timing for a referendum concerning Metro Vancouver’s transportation system is open for discussion.

In Vancouver today, Clark acknowledged the region’s mayors want more time to get together on a proposed region-wide vote on transportation infrastructure that could be worth billions of dollars.

Last week, provincial Transportation Minister Todd Stone said the government was committed to a fall referendum tied to the November municipal elections.

Stone had said the Liberals were preparing to introduce legislation this spring that confirmed the fall date.

But Clark now says talks are underway with the mayors about revising the November referendum date.

The mayor’s, who represent Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby and more than a dozen other municipalities, say the only thing they are united on at this time is their opposition to a fall referendum date.