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TransLink is also looking for a subsidy to replace the tolls that were eliminated Sept. 1. The transit authority had been counting on tolls to pay for up to two-thirds of the cost of the new Pattullo, which was estimated at about $1 billion in 2014. The amount of the subsidy has not been determined.

The goal is to have financial analysis done around the end of this month, conduct consultation in October and begin procurement in November.

Cross noticed some mayors smiling as he talked about the timeline.

“It is an ambitious schedule,” he acknowledged, “but it’s the one we’ve been working toward for several years now.”

In this spring’s federal budget, the government committed capital funding of about $2.2 billion for three major projects in Phase 2 of the 10-year plan: the Broadway subway, Surrey light rail and the SkyTrain upgrade strategy. That money will be confirmed once the business cases are finalized this fall.

During the election, the NDP committed to providing funding for 40 per cent of capital costs associated with all projects in the 10-year vision.

Confirmation of capital funding for Phase 2 projects will come this fall after business cases are finalized and a regional source is found to cover the funding gap.

Mike Buda, executive director of the mayors’ council, said a regional funding source has not yet been identified. Currently, TransLink’s funding sources are property taxes and fares.

The mayors have spoken out strongly against hiking property taxes further, and it was suggested in the spring that they use property transfer and school taxes already paid by the region’s residents.