METRO VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Metro Vancouver mayors think a transit referendum would be divisive to the region.

The Mayors Council has unanimously voted against the idea put forward by the province to come up with a funding model for TransLink moving forward.

“Referenda on any kind of additional fee or tax for provision of core services is virtually impossible in any jurisdiction in the world in order to pass and the Mayors Council certainly has no staff and no resources,” explains Chair Richard Walton.

The council is pressing the new transportation minister, Todd Stone, to abandon the promise.

“It’s a very, very puzzling policy position with very little detail so certainly our motion put forward is request to engage immediately and to determine answers to some of the key questions concerning referendum,” says Walton.

The council thinks the issue is too complex to be left to voters. But Stone says because it’s complex, taxpayers need to have their say.

“I think that’s the challenge in front of all of us; let’s have a dialogue with the people of the Lower Mainland and let’s make sure that all the potential funding options that the Mayors Council and the TransLink board feel are potentially viable… let’s get all that information out there and consult with the public.”

Stone says he respects what the mayors are saying. “But I want to be very, very clear here: There will be a referendum on the matter of new funding options, that is an iron-clad commitment… So, I would encourage the mayors to work with us.”

The Mayors Council and the province have not been in agreement when it comes to raising more money for TransLink moving forward. New taxes and road tolls are just some of the ideas being considered.