VANCOUVER – The technical feasibility study for a high-capacity rapid transit crossing from Vancouver across the Burrard Inlet to the North Shore is complete, resulting in five potential crossing options.

“Our government is committed to creating greener and more liveable cities and boosting access to transit as much as possible,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “This study shows possibilities that can be considered in future planning. It’s exciting to look towards a future high-speed connection that will make moving around on the North Shore and Greater Vancouver easier and greener.”

The Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit study will help inform the long-term Transport 2050 planning, led by TransLink and the Mayors’ Council.  The study led by Mott MacDonald Canada resulted in five possible routes for future planning consideration:

•  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)

Connecting Lonsdale City Centre with Vancouver’s metropolitan core and the regional rapid transit network, while considering compatibility with existing and future land use, is one of the recommendations put forward by the Integrated North Shore Transportation Planning Project (INSTPP). That project was led by Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver, in 2018. Work on the remaining recommendations of INSTPP continues through NXSTPP (Next Step), a working group that includes all levels of government on the North Shore. The group works in partnership to improve mobility both in and around the region.

“People living in North Vancouver are eager to embrace socially, environmentally responsible ways to travel that allow them to beat the traffic,” Ma said. “This exciting technical feasibility study is the first-ever co-ordinated effort by the Province in partnership with Indigenous governments, municipalities and TransLink to identify a potential rapid transit solution across the Burrard Inlet for people who live, work and travel throughout Metro Vancouver.”

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the districts of North Vancouver and West Vancouver and the cities of Vancouver and North Vancouver contributed joint funding towards the study. TransLink oversaw the technical work.

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 is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. It was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.'s emission targets.

Learn More:

Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit Study: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/9-15_Burrard_Inlet_study.pdf

CleanBC: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/

A backgrounder follows.

Khelsilem, Squamish Nation councillor, and committee member, NXSTPP (Next Step) —

“The Squamish Nation knows North Shore transportation and connectivity is an important issue for many of our people. We have been proud to be a partner in this study and be involved from the very beginning with a seat at the table. This is a step forward towards a future of greater mobility for all people who live in this region.”

Kevin Desmond, CEO, TransLink —

“Congestion on the North Shore remains a major issue and has the potential to increase as we welcome more residents to our region. TransLink is in the process of building our next 30-year regional transportation plan, Transport2050. TransLink will continue to support the Province in studying solutions for the North Shore and consider any findings for our long-term plan.”

Linda Buchanan, mayor, City of North Vancouver —

“I’m pleased that we’re one step closer to delivering a sustainable and rapid transportation option to the North Shore. Infrastructure such as this is essential in keeping our communities vibrant and moving. As we look at recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, greener and more efficient modes of transportation that work for all people will allow us to build our communities back better.”

Mary-Ann Booth, mayor, City of West Vancouver, and chair, NXSTPP —

“I am very pleased with the timely completion of the second stage of this study of potential rapid transit routes across Burrard Inlet, which came out of the recommendations of the Integrated North Shore Transportation Planning Project (INSTPP). As the chair of NXSTPP, the planning group tasked with implementing INSTPP recommendations, I look forward to moving to the next phase, which includes looking at how each of the five options integrate with existing transit networks. West Vancouver council also supports this work and has made it a priority to collaborate with its North Shore partners to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, improve transit and better connect all communities in the region.”

Kennedy Stewart, mayor, City of Vancouver —

“A future rapid transit connection across the Burrard Inlet will provide better connections for Vancouver, North Shore and other Metro Vancouver residents to access the housing, employment and recreation opportunities on both sides of the inlet. The rapid transit options identified through this study will prepare us for future discussions on how our region can provide more low-carbon, affordable and equitable transportation options. We look forward to participating in the next stage of this work and will continue to consider a Burrard Inlet rapid transit connection through our own policy and planning initiatives.”

Mike Little, mayor, District of North Vancouver —

“Transportation reliability for residents and businesses, including getting to and from work, is the most critical issue for our community. The potential routes located on the eastern side of North Vancouver not only create an opportunity to integrate with affordable homes and popular destinations, but also areas with future growth potential. Our community is looking for changes to reduce traffic congestion, so it’s exciting to see progress coming from the feasibility study and co-ordinated efforts between different levels of government. We understand transportation is a top priority and all of our efforts are focused into solving this longstanding issue.”