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MEDIA RELEASE IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chamber Calls for Consultation on Rapid Transit Proposal Victoria, BC – June 29, 2011 – After conducting extensive research and consulting stakeholders, The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce proposes that best practices, appropriate for a project the size of the proposed Rapid Transit System, be followed. The Chamber calls for a third party review of the transit proposal to include analysis of construction and operating costs, including a sensitivity analysis. The review should also include analysis of the economic impact of the proposed system, and determination of cost sharing. An appropriate decision making framework must then be formulated, and a region wide referendum conducted. As a discretionary project the views of the public must be determined, particularly as the region’s level of required investment is not clear. BC Transit was cooperative in providing additional information requested by the Chamber, yet the Chamber lacks the expertise to adequately evaluate the operational assumptions and the associated risks and benefits. “The business case for improved transit and the associated potential economic benefits must be quantified ,” said Bruce Carter, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “The experience with the Johnson St. Bridge, has impressed upon us all the need to consult with the paying public on large borrowing projects. This is a project of choice which will shape the region’s future and as such, must be supported by those who will be footing the bill. The responsible process is full consultation via a third party review and referendum ,” said Carter. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has over 1500 members and is the hub for business communication and collaboration that facilitates the financial vitality of its members while respecting people, planet and profit. The Greater Victoria Chamber has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. -30- For more information or to arrange an interview contact: Ellen Henry Bruce Carter Manager of Member Communications Chief Executive Officer Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Email: ehenry@gvcc.org Email: bcarter@gvcc.org Cell: 250-812-0510
MEDIA RELEASE
Chamber Calls for Consultation on Rapid Transit Proposal
Victoria, BC – June 29, 2011 – After conducting extensive research and consulting stakeholders, The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce proposes that best practices, appropriate for a project the size of the proposed Rapid Transit System, be followed.
The Chamber calls for a third party review of the transit proposal to include analysis of construction and operating costs, including a sensitivity analysis. The review should also include analysis of the economic impact of the proposed system, and determination of cost sharing.
An appropriate decision making framework must then be formulated, and a region wide referendum conducted. As a discretionary project the views of the public must be determined, particularly as the region’s level of required investment is not clear.
BC Transit was cooperative in providing additional information requested by the Chamber, yet the Chamber lacks the expertise to adequately evaluate the operational assumptions and the associated risks and benefits.
“The business case for improved transit and the associated potential economic benefits must be quantified ,” said Bruce Carter, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
“The experience with the Johnson St. Bridge, has impressed upon us all the need to consult with the paying public on large borrowing projects. This is a project of choice which will shape the region’s future and as such, must be supported by those who will be footing the bill. The responsible process is full consultation via a third party review and referendum ,” said Carter.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has over 1500 members and is the hub for business communication and collaboration that facilitates the financial vitality of its members while respecting people, planet and profit. The Greater Victoria Chamber has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
-30-
For more information or to arrange an interview contact:
Ellen Henry Bruce Carter
Email: ehenry@gvcc.org Email: bcarter@gvcc.org
Cell: 250-812-0510