If the No side is successful in the upcoming transit plebiscite, it could mean more transportation costs will have to be taken on by municipalities, according to Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart.
The Yes side's push for a 0.5% regional sales tax would generate $250 million, money that is vital to upgrading regional roads transit infrastructure in the city, he added during his presentation of the 2015-'19 financial plan during Monday night's council meeting.
"I want to encourage Coquitlam residents to get informed on their decision and to consider how their vote may impact future transportation, congest and even future budgets," he said. "A No vote would require additional municipal spending in expanding and upgrading our road network, building more parking and other considerations."
Later in the meeting, council voted unanimously in favour of endorsing the Yes campaign. None of the councillors spoke on the motion but a staff report outlined some of the benefits that would come with a Yes vote.
The additional funding each could mean more West Coast Express service, increased bus routes, including B-Lines, as well as an increase to HandyDART services and upgrades to the Coquitlam Station transit exchange, the report said.
The document also noted that an additional 100,000 people are expected to move to the city in the next 30 years and "staff believe that the benefits of a successful 'Yes' outcome of the plebiscite will have many advantages to the residents and businesses of Coquitlam."
Registered voters in Metro Vancouver will have the opportunity to vote in the plebiscite by mail between March 16 and May 29.
Last week, Port Moody council voted to support a Yes vote in the referendum.
@GMcKennaTC
