On July 23rd, the Langley City Council approved a resolution supporting an extension of the Expo Line from King George Station in Surrey to Langley City Centre.
The resolution reads in part: “Langley City Council concludes that the SkyTrain technology for Stage 2 – Fraser Highway Corridor between King George Station and Langley is superior to Light Rapid Transit (LRT) based on the perspective of safety, travel time, reliability and potential for future extensions.”
We at ENM fully support this resolution. Our co-founder, Daniel Greenhalgh, feels the pros clearly outweigh the cons.
“To start with the cons – there’s clearly a correlation between the SkyTrain and an increase in crime. Petty criminals can access communities much easier, and there’s a direct link between having a station in your community and having an increase in property theft. But, in the last 15 years, there’s been a big decrease in this type of crime with the introduction of a transit police force.
“The other con is, of course, the $1 billion difference in cost between the SkyTrain and the Light Rail Transit option. But there have been cost-benefit analyses done by Translink and other groups in support of the SkyTrain that say SkyTrain will save money in the long run, while the LRT would be a net loss to the economy. When you’re looking at the booming population growth we’re going to experience in Surrey and Langley, the SkyTrain makes a lot more sense as a long-term plan.
“The benefits are definitely worth the cost. And the benefits are huge. The travel time, the convenience and the reliability of the SkyTrain are huge advantages over the LRT. These kinds of things aren’t just there for easier commutes – they make the cost of living in a community more affordable. You can live a car-free lifestyle, or at least be much less car-dependent, and with the cost of everything associated with owning a vehicle going up, this makes a big difference.”
When cities are faced with these kinds of infrastructure choices, history usually shows that going big pays off. “Having access to reliable mass transit is essential to being a world class city. It’s fundamental. So we need to be prepared to invest in the best option available.”
As a company who plans to continue developing purpose-built rental properties in Langley City and the Township, we will continue to lobby and support measures to bring the SkyTrain to our community.
About ENM Construction
Management Ltd.
ENM Construction Management is
the brainchild of Daniel Greenhalgh and
Colin Lacey. The firm
specializes in construction
and development management
since 2008. It
is a recognized
member of the
Vancouver Regional Construction
Association (VCRA), serving
communities in Greater
Vancouver Area, including
Langley, Surrey, Abbotsford,
Coquitlam, and Fraser
Valley. Subscribe to
their newsletter to
stay up-to-date with
their latest projects
and construction developments.
Contact Information
ENM Construction
Management Ltd.
604-371-3663
info@enmconstruction.ca
