Metro mayors optimistic about NDP’s choice of Ma to lead TransLink portfolio
Members of TransLink’s Mayors’ Council say rookie MLA Bowinn Ma has the right qualifications to be parliamentary secretary for TransLink, an important portfolio for Metro Vancouver residents.
The appointment came Tuesday as Premier John Horgan and his new cabinet ministers were sworn in during a ceremony in Victoria.
The government brought TransLink, responsible for Metro transit and major roads, under the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and appointed Ma, who was an engineer and project manager for the Vancouver Airport Authority, as parliamentary secretary to deal with the transit authority.
“Bowinn is obviously very excited about taking on the role. I think she’s got a really interesting background with an engineering degree and connection to transportation policy, so I think she’ll be very knowledgeable,” said New Westminster Mayor Jonathan Coté, who chairs the TransLink Mayors’ Council’s funding-strategy committee.
He said it was “critically important” to have someone who is familiar with the issues the region faces.
Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg Moore agreed.
“I think it’s excellent that we have someone from the Lower Mainland responsible for TransLink,” Moore said.
TransLink has three priorities it will need commitments for or action on this fall.
The first, and most pressing, is funding to replace the Pattullo Bridge, which is 80 years old and approaching the end of its serviceable life. Approval must be obtained from the province by fall, or construction procurement will be delayed.
If the bridge, which carries traffic between Surrey and New Westminster, is not replaced by 2023 as planned, it will have to be closed.
Horgan has said the Pattullo replacement is a high priority for his government and part of a major infrastructure spending plan. In 2014, it was estimated the new bridge would cost about $1 billion. A new estimate has not been released. The previous provincial government committed to onethird of capital costs, subject to review of costs and business case.
Another priority is obtaining a firm provincial financial commitment and approval for a regional funding source for the second phase of the mayors’ 10-year transportation plan, which includes building the Broadway subway extension in Vancouver and a lightrail line in Surrey.
On the transportation side, the George Massey Tunnel replacement project, removal of tolls from two Lower Mainland bridges and the introduction of ride-hailing services are major issues for the new minister.
The Liberals maintained that the tunnel needs to be replaced because it is unsafe and a traffic bottleneck. Horgan said last month he intends to address the issue of congestion at Deas Island, but a bridge is unlikely to be the solution.
Horgan said he plans to consult with Metro Vancouver mayors, who, with the exception of Delta Mayor Lois Jackson, have expressed serious concerns about a bridge as proposed. The new minister and parliamentary secretary were not available for comment.