Both the British Columbia Conservatives and the New Democrats have pledged to expand the SkyTrain transit line in Surrey, B.C., aiming to garner support in the populous city before the October 24 provincial election. The political campaigns simultaneously announced their intentions on Tuesday to develop a SkyTrain extension along the King George Boulevard corridor.
NDP Leader David Eby revealed that his party has allocated $250 million in its detailed platform for a transit expansion towards Surrey’s Newton neighborhood. The NDP had initially designated this amount for bus rapid transit along the corridor, stretching from Surrey to White Rock. However, Eby mentioned that they have collaborated with Surrey’s mayor-elect, Doug McCallum, on the current project to extend the SkyTrain to Langley and are dedicated to partnering once more for the extension along King George Boulevard.
Eby emphasized the efficiency of utilizing an existing factory producing the necessary concrete components for the SkyTrain extension, stating that it would result in cost savings for the Newton expansion compared to starting from scratch.
The Conservatives also committed to collaborating with Ottawa to finance and construct rapid transit along the King George corridor, including a SkyTrain extension to Newton. The party highlighted that the region has been neglected in terms of rapid transit investment for several years. When the plans for a light rail to Newton were abandoned in 2018, residents were assured of imminent transit improvements, yet eight years later, no progress has been made.
During an unrelated campaign announcement in Kelowna, Eby acknowledged the initial proposal for light rail but emphasized McCallum’s preference for the SkyTrain, with which the NDP cooperated. The party also disclosed a $30 million commitment to establish an in-patient unit on the unutilized sixth floor of the Kelowna General Hospital.
Eby criticized the Conservative platform for lacking cost estimates for significant campaign promises, particularly the SkyTrain extension plan to Newton. The Conservative platform vaguely mentions supporting transit expansion based on community needs without specifying costs. It outlines financing through a new capital plan with contributions from federal, municipal, and private sectors, with project costs determined on a case-by-case basis through business evaluations.
Eby also commented on the Alberta referendum results, praising the province’s decision to remain in Canada. He emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration within the country. In response to Eby’s criticisms, B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson defended his party’s commitment to a strong and united Canada, dismissing the accusations of lacking patriotism.
The latest data from Elections BC revealed a four percent decrease in the number of ballots cast during the first four days of advance polling compared to the 2024 election, with approximately 571,000 votes recorded from Friday to Monday. This accounts for about 15 percent of registered voters, with early voting ongoing at numerous locations across the province until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, leading up to the final voting day on Saturday.