BC (PROVINCE)

The Province of British Columbia is moving forward with the Surrey Langley SkyTrain project, selecting a preferred proponent team to design and build the systems and trackwork. The project is a 16-kilometer extension of the Expo Line from King George Station to Langley City Centre, the first rapid-transit expansion south of the Fraser River in 30 years.

• Preferred Proponent: Transit Integrators BC, a team comprising AtkinsRéalis Major Projects Inc., AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., and Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd., a Surrey-based company with experience in previous SkyTrain projects.
• Project Scope: The project includes work on the guideway and stations, as well as the relocation of power lines and preparation for major construction this year.
• Timeline: Major construction on the Surrey Langley SkyTrain is expected to begin this year, with the project being delivered through three separate contracts.

• Travel Time: Once complete, the project will allow passengers to travel between Langley City and Surrey Centre in approximately 22 minutes, and between Langley and downtown Vancouver in just over an hour.
• Accessibility: The project will provide high-quality and low-cost transportation for people in Surrey, Langley, and across Metro Vancouver.

The Government of British Columbia is providing up to $300 million in new capital funding to TransLink, the regional transportation authority for Metro Vancouver, to support the purchase of new buses and service expansion in the 2024 Investment Plan.

• The funding will enable more frequent bus service, reduced overcrowding, and extended hours of operation for more than 60 routes, as well as improved late-evening availability for HandyDART services.
• This investment builds on the province's previous $479 million contribution last year, which is being used for immediate service increases.
• The funding supports the region's growing population and the need for a transit system that can keep up, particularly in fast-growing communities like Surrey and Langley.

• SkyTrain Expansion: The SkyTrain network will see a 27% increase with the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension and the Broadway Subway project.
• Bus Rapid Transit: New bus rapid transit services will be introduced along various corridors in Metro Vancouver, featuring improved rider amenities, dedicated bus lanes, and greater efficiency.

The British Columbia government has introduced new regulations to enhance safety for cyclists and other vulnerable road users. The changes include a requirement for drivers to maintain a minimum passing distance of 1 meter when passing cyclists and 1.5 meters on highways with a speed limit above 50 km/h.

• Safe Passing Distance: New regulations require drivers to maintain a minimum passing distance of 1 meter when passing cyclists and other vulnerable road users, and 1.5 meters on highways with a speed limit above 50 km/h.
• New Class of E-Bikes: People 14 and older will be able to use a new class of e-bikes with lower power and speed limits.
• Mobility Devices: Regulations will clarify that mobility devices are an extension of the person, who is already considered a pedestrian under the Motor Vehicle Act.
• Automated Vehicles: Regulations will bring into force a prohibition against the operation of fully automated self-driving vehicles unless provincially authorized.

• The changes improving safety for vulnerable road users and regulatory changes for mobility devices will come into effect on June 3, 2024.
• The introduction of the new class of e-bikes and the framework for regulating automated vehicles will come into effect on April 5, 2024.
• The Province will also start a four-year safety review for electric kick scooters on April 5, 2024.

The British Columbia government and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have partnered to promote sustainable aviation, clean technology investment, trade diversification, and workforce development in the province's aviation and aerospace sectors.

• Accelerate sustainable aviation to fight pollution and reduce emissions
• Support community resilience and emergency preparedness through YVR's expertise
• Increase clean-tech investment to promote made-in-B.C. technology and create good jobs

• $250,000: Sustainable aviation fuel opportunities study
• $375,000: Net-zero airports action plan to outline carbon-reduction measures
• $250,000: Study to explore opportunities to enhance the movement of people and goods between YVR, Vancouver Island, and beyond

• Establish B.C. as a leader in sustainable aviation and clean-technology investment
• Build resilient communities by enhancing access to reliable, sustainable air services
• Facilitate business and economic growth in the province through improved transportation and logistics

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Rob Fleming, issued a formal cancellation notice to Chohan Freight Forwarders Ltd. on Feb. 15, 2024, due to safety concerns.

• Severe Action Taken: Cancellation of trucking company's ability to operate in B.C. due to multiple infractions.
• Message to Operators: Emphasis on the need to stop infrastructure crashes in the province.
• Progressive Enforcement: Changes allowing for better enforcement of suspensions for companies and drivers not operating safely and responsibly.

Major upgrades to Highway 1 between 216th and 264th streets in Langley are underway, including HOV/EV lanes and a new 232nd Street Interchange.

• Project Details: Highway 1 widening project is out to tender, adding HOV lanes in each direction and a new interchange.
• Community Impact: Improvements aim to relieve traffic congestion, enhance safety, and promote sustainable transportation options.
• Construction Progress: Second of three construction contracts for Phase 2 underway, with Phase 3A and 3B advance work in Abbotsford.
• Funding: Project valued at $345 million, with $96.05 million from the Government of Canada through the New Building Canada Fund.

British Columbia introduces legislation to boost housing near transit hubs, aiming to speed up home delivery and foster transit-oriented communities. The legislation will require municipalities to designate areas near transit for higher-density housing, removing regulatory barriers to facilitate this development. This is part of the Province's broader housing action plan to create vibrant, accessible communities and address the housing crisis.