VANCOUVER – The technical feasibility study of a potential high-capacity transit crossing from Vancouver across the Burrard Inlet to the North Shore has completed Phase 1.

Six potential options have been shortlisted to be explored further in Phase 2.

“We know that people living and working on the North Shore are frustrated with traffic congestion that has been increasing for years,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “By investing in this study, our government is helping to take a serious look at solutions that expand our public transportation network to better connect communities and to help people move around freely. The results from this study will support the North Shore and surrounding communities with their long-term transportation planning.”

The Province has partnered with local governments on the North Shore and in Vancouver on a feasibility study for a high-capacity transit crossing across Burrard Inlet. The first phase of the two-phase study, led by Mott MacDonald Canada, involved a brainstorm and preliminary screening of possible crossing points that could support a more transit-oriented North Shore with better connections to Vancouver and the rest of the region. It also considered the compatibility of a transit crossing with existing and future land use and the potential for affordable housing.

This work resulted in six general routes that will be further explored in Phase 2 (type of crossing in parentheses):

• downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale via First Narrows (tunnel crossing)
• downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale via Brockton Point (tunnel crossing)
• downtown Vancouver to West Vancouver via Lonsdale (tunnel crossing)
• downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale via Second Narrows (new bridge crossing)
• Burnaby to Lonsdale via Second Narrows (new bridge crossing)
• Burnaby to Lonsdale via Second Narrows (existing bridge crossing)

Connecting Lonsdale City Centre with Vancouver’s metropolitan core and the regional rapid transit network is one of the recommendations put forward by the Integrated North Shore Transportation Planning Project (INSTPP), led by Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale, in 2018. 

Work on the remaining recommendations of INSTPP continues through Next Step (NXSTPP), a working group that includes all levels of government on the North Shore that work in partnership to improve mobility both in and around the region. This study is one way that the Province and the City of Vancouver are helping support the NXSTPP working group.

“I hear from community members every day about how transportation challenges on the North Shore impact their lives,” said Ma. “In addition to seeking convenient ways to get around, people are eager to embrace more socially, environmentally responsible modes of transportation. This technical feasibility study to find a rapid transit solution across the Burrard Inlet is an important step toward a third fixed-link crossing to the North Shore.”

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the districts of North Vancouver and West Vancouver, and the cities of Vancouver and North Vancouver are contributing to fund the study. TransLink led the procurement process for this study. The results will be used to inform the development of Transport 2050, TransLink’s updated regional transportation strategy.

Making investments to improve transit is part of the B.C. government’s CleanBC plan. Initiatives in the CleanBC plan aim to make transit a more-accessible and efficient option for all British Columbians – reducing congestion and carbon pollution. CleanBC was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus, and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets. 

A backgrounder, with what people are saying about the Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit Study, follows.

Khelsilem, spokesperson and councillor, Squamish Nation –

“Expanded and efficient transit to connect our communities is important to many Squamish Nation citizens who live on the North Shore and in the City of Vancouver. The study is one step along many to come, but it’s an important one to explore. The Squamish Nation has been proud to be a part of the North Shore's strategic transportation planning group (NXSTPP).”

Kevin Desmond, CEO, TransLink –

“This study will complement Transport 2050, Metro Vancouver’s blueprint for the next 30 years of transportation. In the coming phase of public engagement for Transport 2050, we will ask residents and stakeholder groups to think critically about which transportation initiatives are the most important to the long-term liveability of our region. As the population of Metro Vancouver rapidly grows, it’s essential that the transit network also grows and expands to the places that need it most.”

Linda Buchanan, mayor, City of North Vancouver –

“Delivering efficient and sustainable transportation options to North Shore residents is crucial in keeping our communities vibrant and moving. I’m pleased to see this study enter Phase 2 and to see the positive results of intergovernmental co-operation on issues that matter to all people.”

Mary-Ann Booth, mayor, District of West Vancouver and chair, NXSTPP –

“As chair of the North Shore's strategic transportation planning group, NXSTPP, I am very pleased to be collaborating with the Province, community leaders and transportation partners to plan for a rapid transit crossing over Burrard Inlet for our residents. This is important work for the region given the growing population and serious congestion challenges."

Kennedy Stewart, mayor, City of Vancouver –

“The city understands that residents throughout the region are looking for reliable travel times and convenient access to jobs and leisure opportunities on both sides of the Burrard Inlet. We continue to work with partners on transportation improvements, as well as rapid transit strategies, to advance regional and provincial objectives through our own Climate Emergency Response actions."

Mike Little, mayor, District of North Vancouver –

“On behalf of the District of North Vancouver, I’m pleased to continue working with the ministry and North Shore partners as we embark on Phase 2 of the feasibility study. Transportation is the top challenge facing our community right now. Identifying new rapid transit options is a crucial step in the right direction to connect our communities and begin addressing the traffic congestion issues that impact our residents. We anticipate the results of this study will identify feasible options that support our long-term transportation planning goals.”