[van-announce] Public Forum in Surrey on Hwy 1/Port Mann expansion Oct. 5

[Eric Doherty]

Media Advisory September

20, 2005

For immediate release

 Public Forum in Surrey 
on Port Mann/Highway #1 expansion

On Wednesday October 5th, the Liveable Region Coalition is presenting a
public forum and discussion of the B.C. Government's plans for highway
expansion in the greater Vancouver area - and its impacts on traffic
congestion, neighbourhoods and regional liveability.  

Panel speakers include: 

Michael Kluckner, Author of Paving Paradise
David Biggs, Envision Sustainability Tools
Stuart Ramsey, Transportation Engineer
Prof. Patrick Condon, University of British Columbia

Where and When: 

SFU Surrey Campus, Central City Tower
SFU Lecture Theatre - room SC2600
13450 102nd Avenue, Surrey -- Room 2600
Wednesday, October 5th, 7 p.m.,
(Within 1 minute walk of the Surrey Central Skytrain station) 

Background:
The BC provincial government plans to widen Highway 1 and add a second Port
Mann Bridge as part of a massive $4-5 Billion 'Gateway' roads program.
Highway 1 would be expanded to at least eight lanes between 1st Avenue in
Vancouver and 200 St. in Langley.
 
This proposed highway expansion raises many concerns, including:

	*	An increase in the number of vehicles on the road 
	*	Long-term increases in air pollution and related health
problems 
	*	Further urban sprawl and longer commutes
	*	Destruction of the precious farmland and open space in our
greenbelt, the Agricultural Land Reserve
	*	Huge increase in provincial debt for a short term solution

The Liveable Region Coalition (LRC) is a group of Lower Mainland citizens
and sustainable transportation advocates. For more information on the forum
please contact 604.736-7732 or info at livableregion.ca