Latest updates
April 21, 2022
North Shore Connects is pleased to see a suite of important new investments to improve transportation on, to and from the North Shore included as part of Transport 2050: 10-Year Priorities.
Most importantly, Transport 2050, TransLink’s regional strategy, commits to moving forward with Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit (BIRT), a fully traffic-separated rapid transit connection to the North Shore between Park Royal and Metrotown, which was advocated for by North Shore Connects.
The Transport 2050: 10-Year Priorities proposes immediately advancing the BIRT planning, engagement and design work to confirm the best alignment, technology, and phasing for the project. North Shore Connects will support TransLink, government agencies and stakeholders on this work to get the planning work done as quickly as possible.
The Transport 2050: 10-Year Priorities also proposes other investments to make existing transit service on, to and from the North Shore faster and more reliable, including more frequent Sea Bus service, new rapid bus connections and more local bus service. It also proposes working with the Province and neighbouring jurisdictions to advance a new interregional service to the Sea-to-Sky corridor, to provide new options for recreational travellers and commuters travelling to and from these communities, and completing up to three quarters of the 2050 Major Bikeway Network and other measures to make active transport a convenient choice for short trips.
The North Shore is the last large population base in the region without rapid transit. Over the last three years BIRT has undergone preliminary feasibility and economic impact studies. The findings of the economic impact study indicate that BIRT will assist the region in meeting goals related to reducing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as enhancing economic opportunity and productivity.
Important local, regional, and provincial benefits include:
- Shifting more than 50,000 daily vehicle trips to transit, resulting in decreased congestion, emissions, and collisions.
- A near doubling of jobs accessible within a 60-minute transit ride for North Shore residents.
- Improved connectivity and economic development conditions for four First Nations reserves across the North Shore.
To find out more about TransLink’s Transport 2050 10-Year Priorities, and to participate in the survey which is open from April 20 to May 4, please visit engagetranslink.ca.
February 8, 2022
North Shore Connects is requesting that Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit (BIRT) be prioritized in the new Mayors’ Council 10-Year Regional Transit and Transportation Vision and Investment Plan, following supportive council votes by all three local North Shore governments on February 7 and support from the host Nations.
Background
Municipalities and First Nations connect to advance shared vision for improved transportation on, to and from the North Shore
Everyone wants to spend more time living and less time commuting. A partnership between the District of West Vancouver, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver and səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation)—now branded as North Shore Connects—wants to prioritize transportation improvements on the North Shore and create economic growth across the region.
North Shore Connects is focused on reducing congestion, supporting livable and connected communities, strengthening regional transportation, and growing the economy. Partners will work in tandem to improve mobility and advocate for long overdue investments.
The partners of North Shore Connects have released an economic impact study that looked at the benefits of a Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit (BIRT) investment for the North Shore, the Metro Vancouver region, as well as provincial and national economies. Important benefits include:
- Shifting more than 50,000 daily vehicle trips across Burrard Inlet to transit, resulting in decreased congestion, emissions, and collisions.
- A near doubling of jobs accessible within a 60-minute transit ride for North Shore residents.
- Improved connectivity and economic development conditions for four First Nations reserves across the North Shore.
This benefits assessment will be presented to the Mayors' Council and TransLink with the goal of prioritizing BIRT for early investment as part of the region's next round of transit and transportation investment planning.
Once an investment in rapid transit over the inlet is confirmed as part of the regional planning process, North Shore Connects will support TransLink, government agencies, and stakeholders to determine the most appropriate alignment and travel technology.
For more details on the report visit:
What’s next for North Shore Connects?
North Shore Connects will work to advance a suite of projects to improve transportation and reduce traffic congestion on, to and from the North Shore.
- Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit: The benefits assessment is an initial step towards making rapid transit across Burrard Inlet a reality. North Shore Connects will continue to work closely with TransLink, the Province of B.C., and the Government of Canada to advance BIRT as a key regional transit priority.
- Lower Level Road: North Shore Connects is working together to evaluate a western Lower Level Road extension, a secondary east-west connector from the Park Royal area to West 1st across the Capilano River. This project would help to alleviate traffic congestion on Marine Drive, improve port-related goods movement, provide improved transit options, and improve walking and cycling connections.
- Upper Levels Corridor Study: North Shore Connects is working with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to develop a long-term plan for the section of Highway 1 between Lynn Valley Road and the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal.
An evolution of successful working groups
The North Shore Connects partnership is an evolution of previously established groups. In 2018, MLA Bowinn Ma convened the Integrated North Shore Transportation Planning Project (INSTPP) which brought together all levels of government on the North Shore together with TransLink and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to identify joint actions to address congestion issues. North Shore Connects continues the unique partnership of the North Shore municipal and First Nations governments that is implementing identified actions to improve transportation. North Shore Connects will work in collaboration with TransLink, the Province of BC and the Government of Canada to plan, secure funding for, and implement projects that improve transportation on, to and from the North Shore.
Many mobility improvements have already been delivered with support from other partners, including:
- R2 Marine Drive Rapid Bus: In operation since April 2020, the R2 Marine Drive Rapid Bus east-west service operates between Park Royal in West Vancouver and Phibbs Exchange in North Vancouver District. The service is fast, frequent and convenient, and has the ability to carry up to 1,650 people per hour, both directions combined.
- 222 Bus: A new express bus service across the Second Narrows Bridge connecting the regional rapid transit network with the North Shore to provide faster and broader access to the rest of the region was introduced in 2020. The service runs from Phibbs Exchange to Metrotown, every 7-8 minutes during peak hours.
- Lime E-Bike Share: The launch of the Lime e-bike share system in August 2021 supports active transportation on the North Shore, and North Shore Connects will continue to expand and improve pedestrian and cycling networks, making it easier for people to use alternative modes.
- SeaBus: Wrapped in Indigenous artwork, the new Burrard Chinook means the SeaBus can run at ten-minute frequency sailings more reliably. This additional vessel allows an older SeaBus to be used as a spare vessel during peak sailing hours.
- Lower Lynn Improvements project: Completion of the Lower Lynn Interchange Improvements is expected this fall. The new interchanges will dramatically improve safety and traffic flow through the area and better separate local and regional traffic. The project also significantly improves active transportation connections across the Lower Lynn area.