Occupy Port of Vancouver, Dec.12

Cycle in solidarity!

Background:
A major reason for the Gateway Highway expansion project is that the Port is pushing for it. More trucks instead of trains. More cars in our city expecting us to pay for all those subsidised roads to handle the "traffic" --- all just making our city less livable. The city council level of government is against this stuff but doesn't have the power to stop it because the Province and Federal levels of government use their purse-strings to force it on us. It is the opposite of the direction we need to go for a local, safe, sustainable cycling community --- and to deal with climate change. Large trucks account for a disproportionate amount of cycling and pedestrian fatalities.

According to Occupy Vancouver's events calendar, the local action will start at 12 noon at Callister Park (Oxford Street at Renfrew Street).

So get out there on December 12th!

• occupyvancouver.com Vancouver Shutdown Press Release
  
• westcoastportshutdown.org
• www.straight.com
• vancouver.openfile.ca
• vancouver.mediacoop.ca
  

Friday April 22: Join the Wave Against the Pave!

www.StopThePave.org >>

Calling all residents, students, parents, elders, streamkeepers, treeplanters, guerilla gardeners, blockaders, rebels, climate defenders, farmers and freeway fighters!

As chainsaws roar and bulldozers get set to roll on the controversial $2 billion South Fraser Perimeter Road freeway (SFPR), join local residents and community groups to stand up for climate justice!

Last October, hundreds of people dug up the freeway construction site in Surrey with shovels and wheelbarrows, and in December we used sand from the SFPR to build a dike blocking the provincial cabinet offices. Now it's time to step up the campaign of mass direct action against climate crime. We need to turn up the heat, in order to turn down the heat.

WHAT & WHEN: Mass Direct Action against Climate Crime, beginning at 2 pm on Friday April 22 (Mother Earth Day). Actions may continue over multiple days on this long weekend and beyond. Like our previous actions, it will be non-disruptive to area residents, even as we disrupt continuation of the South Fraser Perimeter Road freeway (SFPR). There will be a variety of ways people can get involved and demonstrate their support, including roles with little or no legal risk. All are welcome to participate.

WHERE: Meet at Annieville Supermarket, 10996 River Road, Delta. (Take the 640 bus from Scott Road Skytrain or Ladner Exchange)

Come to a pre-action Teach-in! Join us for presentations, action planning, skill sharing and legal info:

DELTA: Saturday March 19, 1-4 pm, Ladner United Church, 4960 48 Ave VANCOUVER: Saturday March 26, 1-4 pm, Grandview Calvary Baptist Church, 1803 E. 1st Ave SURREY: Saturday April 9, 1-4 pm, Kwantlen University, Room D-128 (Fir Building), 12666 72 Ave

WHO: This is an initiative of climate justice activists from GatewaySucks.org, local Council of Canadians chapters, the Critical Criminology Working Group and others. We welcome your involvement in the planning process, especially at a teach-in before the action (see above). We seek endorsements and input from other organizations, and your help in mobilizing your friends, neighbours, community groups or affinity group to join us!

WHY: Now under legal challenge in federal court, the estimated $2 billion proposed SFPR freeway would greatly increase greenhouse gas emissions, pave invaluable farmland, scar the banks of the Fraser River, pollute elementary school playgrounds, and damage indigenous heritage sites. This freeway is an irresponsible waste of public money, and many similar projects have been stopped before. The SFPR has already been "downgraded" due to lack of funds, and dubbed a "white elephant" in the mainstream press. We will emphasize the need to shift resources from climate crimes like freeways to public transit, and to protect communities from flooding and other effects of global warming.

CONTACT: Send endorsements and questions to info@stopthepave.org or call 604,877,1223, and visit us at www.StopThePave.org

Let's kick off a hot summer of resistance!

www.StopThePave.org >> (formerly GatewaySucks.org)

Direct Action Dig to Stop Climate Change

Stop Climate Crime in YOUR BACK YARD - the odious South Fraser Perimeter Freeway (Gateway Project) can be stopped! This action will be fun and empowering and will likely attract mass media attention. Please come out and do your bit to Dig In for Climate justice. Please post and pass it on:

Dig in for Climate Justice!

10/10/10 - Dig in for Climate Justice! Mass Direct Action against Climate Crime

Last October thousands of people marched in Vancouver as part of the largest ever coordinated global rally - 5,200 demonstrations in 181 countries demanding action on global warming. This year, it is time to do more than march. Now is the time for mass direct action against climate crime. Now is the time to help communities deal with increased flood risk and other dangers caused by global warming.

This year as part of the 350.org 10/10/10 Global Work Party (Oct 10, 2010), we will get to work stopping a deliberate climate crime –the South Fraser Perimeter ‘Road’ freeway which is part of the Gateway Program. The estimated $2 billion proposed freeway would greatly increase greenhouse gas emissions, pave over some of BC’s best farmland, scar the delicate banks of the Fraser River, and pollute elementary school playgrounds.

Freeways = Climate Crime

THE ACTION

When: Sunday October 10, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Where: Meet at Scott Road SkyTrain (East / Taxi Stand side) then march to 129th St. and 115b Ave in North Surrey – near Bridgeview Elementary School (Map: http://bit.ly/bQzSHl)

Presently, the South Fraser Freeway route is marked by piles of ‘preload’ sand. We will use this sand to start raising the flood control dikes around a Surrey neighbourhood to protect it from flooding caused by global warming.

We need people to fill sand bags and use them to raise the dike, and lots of people to help out in other ways and show their support. The risk of arrest is very low for anyone who does not wish to risk arrest. Legal information will be available.

This action will emphasize the need to shift resources away from climate crimes to creating green jobs and climate justice. Every cent is needed for solutions like public transit and electric passenger trains, and to protect communities from flooding and other effects of global warming.

Direct Action / Legal Workshop and Volunteer Orientation - TONIGHT!
Monday, Oct 4th 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Grandview Calvary Baptist Church. 1803 E. 1st Avenue (1 block east of Commercial Drive) (wheelchair accessible - from the north side).

If you want to volunteer on 10/10/10 please try to attend this important workshop and volunteer orientation. We will cover the basics of mass direct action and provide legal information. We will also be assigning specific tasks to individuals and groups for the day of the action.

The 10/10/10 Dig in for Climate Justice is a project of the Council of Canadians (Delta-Richmond, Vancouver-Burnaby, and Surrey-White Rock-Langley chapters), and GatewaySucks.org. Endorsed by: Bridgeview Community Action Group, Bridgeview In Motion, Check Your Head, East Vancouver Abolitionists, Grandview Woodland Area Council (GWAC), Greenpeace, Livable Region Coalition, No Tanks, Pedal Revolutionary Radio, Root Force, Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group (SFPIRG), Solidarity Notes Labour Choir, Streams of Justice, Sunbury Neighbourhood Association, Transformative Communities Project, Unitarian Church of Vancouver Environment Committee, Vancouver Action (Van.Act), Vancouver Catholic Worker, Village Vancouver, Voters Taking Action on Climate Change (VTACC), Youth Taking Action on Gateway (YTAG)

For more information about Gateway or the 10/10/10 action visit www.gatewaysucks.org

or contact edoherty@. uniserve.com, or call 6O4 877 1223 or 6O4 340 2455.

www.dig4justice.org

Critical Mass This Friday!

Friday is the Monthly Critical Mass Ride!

All invited, ride a bike. The weather is getting better.
Or skate, run, walk, roll...

april 24, 2009
meet after 5pm
leave after 6pm
from the Vancouver Art Gallery

Speak up about the election coming up!
The Carbon Tax issue is symbolic only and a Red Herring,
the real issue is the Gateway Motorway Expansion plan to
pave 10 lanes across the region and dump more and more
cars here.

Ride peaceful, ride together.
The streets are supposed to be safe public space,
all people need that.
It can only happen when the autos are displaced to
make way for the humans.

Critical Mass is a fun invitation to car drivers to escape the trappings of car culture. Yes, there is a choice. It takes work but we can do it!

Don't forget to tune into the Pedal Revolutionary Radio pre-CM broadcast on Coop Radio 102.7FM from 10:30AM-12noon on the day of CM. This month phone into the show 604-->684-8494 with a Bicycle Haiku and have it read on air!

Highway 1 Day of Action - Sat April 11

PLEASE POST AND FORWARD FAR AND WIDE!

HELP MAKE HISTORY: HOIST YOUR BANNER HIGH on Highway 1 overpasses from Eagleridge Bluffs to Chilliwack!
SATURDAY APRIL 11, FROM 11am to 1pm, take a stand for green ways, not freeways with concerned residents across the region.
FOR THE SAME COST as the Port Mann mega-project we can build a light rail metropolis- creating jobs, reducing traffic and air pollution.

Don't let Gordon Campbell pave over our communities and farmland!

ADOPT A HIGHWAY 1 OVERPASS near you or join with others to adopt one.
SIGN UP your friends and family, your organization and business!

Don't have a banner? We've got one for you! Banner-making parties in progress.
CONTACT US at info@gatewaytowhat.org to find out more.

*** visit gatewaysucks.org for NEW videos, articles, hijinx and news! ***

Stop Mega-Highway Expansion!

Blog : Livable ( http://www.livableregion.ca/blog/blogs/index.php )
Author : edoherty (edoherty)
Title : Urgent Update - Machine at Blockade Site
Content: http://www.livableregion.ca/blog/blogs/index.php/2009/03/05/p725

A small machine has been brought onto the site through an adjacent property rather than the road access where the blockade is. A larger machine to do the actual demolition could be arrive at any time - we expect the ministry's contractors to attempt demolition later today or tomorrow.

So if you were planning to come out, make it today or early tomorrow morning.

See post below for directions.

---

URGENT: GATEWAY CALL TO ACTION

The last intact residence on the proposed freeway alignment in Surrey's Bridgeview neighbourhood is slated for demolition TODAY -- MONDAY, to be replaced by an ugly pile of "pre-load" sand. Bridgeview was hit first and hardest by preparation for the SFPR freeway, which feeds a longstanding desire on the part of government and developers to completely industrialize this multicultural working family neighbourhood.

A small group of resisters from Surrey, Delta and Vancouver are NOW outside the house preparing to stand in front of the bulldozers 24/7, in support of this community and in solidarity with the Day of Civil Disobedience Against Climate Change throughout North America.

THIS ACTION IS GETTING GOOD MEDIA ATTENTION -- BUT WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT NOW!

The fight is far from over -- and while many homes in other areas along the path of the freeway are still months from the prospect of demolition -- this is a great opportunity to make a stand against the bulldozers in Bridgeview!

And with PM2 financing just collapsed, there has never been a better moment to grind Falcon's face in the sand.

If you can lend your supporting to this action, even for an hour or two, please contact Tom IMMEDIATELY at 604.588.4203, or just come to the corner of 124 St and 116 Ave. in Bridgeview asap (its about 1/2 hr by SkyTrain from Broadway SkyTrain station). Snacks, warm drinks and good cheer much appreciated!

HOMES NOT FREEWAYS!

No pasaran.

Details at: http://www.gatewaysucks.org

Sent via:

http://livableregion.ca/mailman/listinfo/lrc-general_livableregion.ca

still buzzed from the Delta party

Shout out to all who came to Brad's on Friday night to the "Gateway to What?" party under the solstice moon, to celebrate the turning of the tides...I'm still buzzing from it!

I've attended and thrown many parties but seldom have I seen one where two large groups of people who had no previous social interaction meld so harmoniously. North and south of the Fraser united, by the night's good spirit and the subconscious realization that this place (Brad's land, this ecosystem, this planet) is sacred and vulnerable, and we cannnot take it for granted. When I left at 2:30-ish the party was still rocking and i'm sure it continued on into the dawn, thanks to Brad for the beautiful space and the bonfire and the sauna, and the dj's for uniting up the people on
the dancefloor, and the Mexican Wrestlers (Greenwashing Gordo vs. Farmer Brad...don't take that golden handshake Brad!), and the Wilderness Committee (esp. Ben West) for bringing it all together, and realizing the importance of the party to raise spirits and light the flame.

Many S.of Fraser neighbours met each other for the first time, and found out about exactly what SFPR would mean for their community. This was a very powerful night, and it is clear that Brad's place will not go down without a fight (and a few more rockin' parties).

Lookin' forward...

C.

and if you haven't watched the video yet check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC5JYg9rBXQ

_______________________________________________
Lrc-general mailing list
Lrc-general@livableregion.ca
http://livableregion.ca/mailman/listinfo/lrc-general_livableregion.ca

Stop Gateway...write one little letter NOW!

Help Stop the "Gateway to Global Warming" Motorway Expansion

A BULLETIN from www.gatewaysucks.org

Our Environment Minister in BC may be close to signing the environmental certification for the Gateway mega -project.

If Barry Penner signs the certification for this project, his legacy would be that of the Environment Minister who gave the green light to the most counter productive and in fact destructive transportation mega-project of our generation!

On Minster Penner's website he claims "The BC Government is working to aggressively address global warming and climate change." He even goes on to clearly state "there is still more work to be done if we are to meet our legally-mandated goal of reducing BC's greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2020". That he could say this one day and then rubber-stamp what many are calling "the gateway to global warming" is unconscionable.

Concerned British Columbian's are writing letters and emails to the Minister of the Environment and the Premier insisting that the environmental assessment not be signed and that genuine consultation take place. This is your chance to have your voice heard and tell Barry Penner and Gordon Campbell to do the right thing.

Here are just a few key points to consider:

The various elements of the Gateway plan will drastically increase the Lower Mainland's contribution to green house emissions that cause global warming and pollution levels in the region. The tripling of shipping vessels and heavy truck traffic off delta port will feed into new induced traffic that will be find its way onto the SFPR, the Twinned Port Mann Bridge and then the widened highway 1 and then into the heart of the Lower Mainland. To make things worse the Gateway Project will induce car dependent suburban sprawl that leads to further global warming emissions
and less healthy communities.

The South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) will harm and maybe kill off Burns Bog, the lungs of the lower mainland our carbon sink!

The expansion of Delta port on Roberts Bank has serious impacts on migratory birds such as the Sandpiper that relies on the region to survive as they fly north. Also Port expansion at Delta Port may severally impact Orca Whales whose population in the area are already dwindling.

The Gateway Project as a whole would impact 1000 hectares of farmland, some
of B.C.s most fertile. The Gateway mega project contradicts the last democratic community planning process that was held around the region, the Livable Region Strategic Plan.

Gateway induces car dependent sprawl and starves public transit by monopolizing billions of dollars in public transportation funding. All of this while not examining the impact of rising fuel prices on the feasibility of the project compared to other options. In fact it has recently been un-covered through a freedom of information request that the project managers used the price of $0.80 a litre in their models for studying the project over the length of the contracts which is the next 25 - 40 years!

No contracts can be signed until Barry Penner signs the environmental assessment.

No meaningful public consultations have yet to be held with the Premier, the Environment Minister or the Transportation Minister. The open houses and community meetings that have taken place have been well orchestrated Public Relation campaigns that were more like focus groups than a genuine attempt to decide the fate of this multi-billion dollar mega -project based on the public will.

OUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES TAKE YOUR LETTERS SERIOUSLY! They are an indication of where the public will lies...and how people will vote a year from now.

Letters are beginning to flow in now at an ever-increasing rate. Your letter can be brief and simply focus on one or two points which concerns you the most. Send an email today!

Minister Penner
101, 7388 Vedder Road
Chilliwack, BC
V2R 4E4

barry.penner.mla@leg.bc.ca

Premier Campbell
3615 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
V6R 1P2

premier@gov.bc.ca

Please CC a copy of your letter to gateway@@@wildernesscommittee---org

If you would like to stay informed about the campaign to stop "the gateway to global warming" and the campaign to get transit before freeways email gateway@AT@wildernesscommittee-DOT-org with the subject line ADD ME.

Gateway Mtg TONIGHT in Bolivar Heights (Surrey)

Gateway Mtg TONIGHT in Bolivar Heights (Surrey)

Please pass this on to anyone you know who lives in this community, or wants to support other communities in the fight against Gateway. WE CAN WIN THIS.

Note: the venue is a 20-min. walk/5 min. bike ride from (the ironically named) Gateway SkyTrain Station.

Thursday, April 3rd
4:00 8:00 PM
at James Ardiel School
13751 112th Avenue

Learn about the issues! Share your opinions! Discuss alternatives!

Find out how the proposed freeway, the South Perimeter Road, will impact you, your family and your community.

Residents of the Bolivar Heights community in North Surrey are holding an open meeting on Thursday to discuss the impacts of the Gateway megaproject on their neighbourhood. Of particular concern are the effects of increased traffic, pollution, and noise on the area, and the impacts that the new freeway and the highway expansion will have on the safety and livability of
the community.

The meeting runs from 4 to 8pm. At 6pm there will be a panel presentation followed by questions and comments. Panelists include transportation activist Greg Hoover; Susan Jones of Against Port Expansion; Donna Passmore of Gateway 50; Jaime Boan, transport manager from the City of Surrey; Don Hunt of Sunbury Neighbourhood Association; Lucie Matich of Port Mann Community Assoc, and Joe Foy of the Wilderness Committee.

Come get informed, meet your neighbours, and support our communities south and north of the Fraser.

Sponsored by: James Ardiel Parent Advisory Council
Info: pcgraphic@@@gmail.,.com

**check in on gatewaysucks.org for the followup report!**

Defiance of Falcon

So psycho-despot Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon and his Gateway Project are still threatening to steamroll across BC regardless of minor inconveniences such as democratic process...but he resistance is MASSIVE and gathering momentum rapidly...

This forum tomorrow (Monday) at SFU downtown could be lively, would love to see you there. If you aren't able to reserve seats just show up at the door 15 min. early, you are likely to get in.

It's being moderated by a regular journo with the Vanc. Sun so is very likely to get at least some media coverage, esp. if there is a vocal audience (and saucy signs can't hurt either).

Ya basta!

Carmen at
http://www.gatewaysucks.org

btw, APOLOGIES for the fact that the bulletin about the Bill 43 rally on Nov 21 didn't get out to you til after the fact! that was a technical glitch. Now sorted out. But the Rally was fantastic, even so... great turnout and energy. The Bill passed in the legislature, no big surprise...but that's not the end of the fight. Check here for deets:

http://www.straight.com/node/121096/view

**************************

Dissenting from Highway Expansion: reflecting on citizen activism at Eagleridge Bluffs. Presented by SFU Urban Studies.

Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, 7-9 p.m. at SFU Vancouver, 515 West Hastings Street, Room 1700.

Panelists: Ned Jacobs (kickass Eagleridge defender),

Betty Krawczyk (superhero raging granny),

Barbara Petit (city planner).

Moderator:
Frances Bula, public affairs reporter, The Vancouver Sun.

To reserve a seat, please email urban@=@sfu.ca or call 778.782*7914.

**********************************

A message from Ned Jacobs, activist arrested at Eagleridge Bluffs:

Preparing for this public forum has led me to think a lot about the Eagleridge battle; what it was--an attempt to save unique woodlands in Greater Vancouver from needless destruction--and what it has become--a poignant reminder of what our region and the world stands to lose by continuing to pander to car culture and special interests. In hindsight, the Sea to Sky "improvement" was a grievous error, not only because it destroyed old growth forest and wetlands of priceless recreational and educational value, but because of the severe road congestion it will almost certainly induce, and pressure to build a third crossing to Vancouver, which could prove even more problematic than Highway 1 expansion.

Striving to protect Eagleridge was an educating and radicalizing experience for all involved, and some Eagleridge defenders have subsequently become active opponents of the Gateway Program, of irresponsible expansion of ports, fish farms, and destructive exploitation of creeks and rivers. For thousands of concerned citizens in BC and around the world the loss of Eagleridge Bluffs is a potent reminder of the vulnerability of irreplaceable environmental assets, the dangers of car-oriented development, the misuse of our justice system and the undermining of accountability, transparency and democracy.

While I can't help but grieve the loss of that special place, it gives me comfort to know that Eagleridge--and its import--will not be forgotten, because people who truly care about sustainability and livability are doing their part to insure that its multiple meanings live on.

Hoping to see you on Monday,

Ned

****************

http://www.gatewaysucks.org

bc transport budget planning

this is the final report in PDF of the BC budget consultation, that we asked you to engage in against the gateway last month.

Some good things got in there: Starting around printed page 14 (26 of 114 on the pdf) is the transport stuff, and the cycling is on page 16 (28 pdf). Not much though. Rail for the Valley was quoted!

Stuff about Gateway on page 47 (59 pdf) and Tannis was quoted! Despite 3 of 4 insightful comments - (including by someone supporting Gateway), their conclusion on page 48 (pdf 60) to continue to make "strategic investments" in Gateway is assinine and appears to not be based in reason, coming out of nowhere according to this report. A bit of a sham really, but we knew that when we started. And, it is good to see a bit of dissent recorded officially -- and, the lack of official logic is laid bare.

So, I suppose one good next step in the case of this is to make sure MLAs and the media read the good parts (that don't make it to the summary) on the pages I've mentioned. Write a letter to your MLA or media today! (quote them the report)

While the provincial government's strategy has been to defy the overwhelming opposition (including municipal governments region wide) with nonsense by pretending it is already a done deal, all along (even before they started proposing it!)... Well, don't take the BS too seriously because it's a trick. We can and will stop this, but we still have to do a lot of work to get there.

Another common myth is that "the majority drives cars" and so are in favour of this expansion. So far, with millions and millions of dollars and control of government and corporate media --- all of that and the supposed truth has yet to be demonstrated. Many who drive are in fact quite well informed on this issue and have opposed this project a long time. Also, many people don't drive, or don't drive much - a number far greater than politicians think as has been proven in scientific studies. (See Bike Cult, David B. Perry) Sure, in some areas of Surrey, there is some signifigant support for the project. But that support is the exception. The great overwhelming majority that wants to kill the environment simply doesn't exist, fake PR 'polling' data notwithstanding. What it comes down to is people like you and I. We all make mistakes sometimes and can be confused by people who are trying to trick us, but in the end if we work together and spread accurate information then the truth will prevail! Yes, it is possible!

Take care and take that lane!
~rusl

2007 BC Budget Consultation

The BC Provincial government has extended the deadline for its online survey to this Friday, Oct 26th, 2007.

The results of these surveys are rarely made available, so the usefulness is questionable at best, since right-wing, authoritarian governments like this one just do what their funders want anyway.

I'm hoping that we can throw a wrench into their plans: if we flood them with responses that call for real change, and demand to know the results, maybe we will have some of our money spent where we want it.

In any case, it's 6 simple questions. I'm including my first answer, fyi. Just click on the link here: https://www.leg.bc.ca/budgetconsultations/...

~Dave Olson

(Ed: my sources say that the Liberal party is already flooding the survey
results with very unsavoury, and ignorant responses. Please take a moment
to write something from the perspective of those that actually want to
improve the environment)

EXAMPLE:

"Your Choices, Your Priorities"

Q.1 What budget choices would you make to help reduce B.C. s greenhouse gases by at least 33 percent below current levels by 2020?
Specifically, we need:

1) to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on bicycle infrastructure around the province NOW. Not over the next 20 years, NOW.

Making it safe to cycle allows almost anyone to reduce up to 50% of their GhG emissions immediately. Making it safe to cycle means building separated space from motorized vehicles, EVERYWHERE humans travel.

In the cities, it means building what Amsterdam did in the 1950s, which has resulted in a 40% modal-share for cyclists (that means 40% of all trips made in Amsterdam - a city with excellent transit service - are made by bicycle).

In rural areas, it means building separate bike paths that are not accessible to motorized vehicles and which have priority at crossings where motorized vehicles travel. One example would be the extension of the E & N Trail, that only currently exists in the City of Nanaimo, to
Courtenay and Victoria.

Not only would these investments pay for themselves in less than 10 years, they would be politically viable and hugely popular.

If the half billion dollars is not available from the previous or next budget surplus, then it must be taken from the capital and maintenance budgets designated for highways.

2) to spend the $10 billion earmarked for the Gateway project on public transit around the province.

The bulk of this money needs to be spent in Metro Vancouver on doubling the bus and skytrain fleet this year. Yes, this year. This will cost $1.5 billion on buses, $1 billion on skytrain cars, and another $1 billion on the operations of the system, which will allow 10 minute service everywhere in the region and which will allow all the fareboxes to be removed.

To get the majority of motorists out of their cars and into transit requires that all barriers be removed: the farebox, infrequent service, lack of dedicated bus lanes 24/7.

Another $1 billion needs to be put aside for the following year, for bus and skytrain replacements, expansions and operating expenses, after which a long-term, sustainable funding scheme will have been put in place.

The remaining $5.5 billion needs to be spent both on more buses and on expanding bus service in every city and town with existing bus service (25 centres). The existing 250 buses must be quadrupled to 1,000 costing less than $1 billion. Adding the infrastructure to support these new
buses (maintenance and storage areas, dedicated bus lanes) will cost less than $1 billion as well. Removing the fareboxes and ensuring service frequencies are 10 minutes will take about $1 billion over the next two years.

In fact, we can create the best transit systems in the entire world (best, meaning free to use and too frequent to require people to read a schedule) in every urban area in the province and still have well over $2 billion dollars left in the Gateway piggy bank. This can and should be used for communities wishing to begin public bus service.

(3000 Characters Max)

UPDATE: The results of this survey are now blogged at: bc-transport-budget-planning.html

Critical Mass and Day to Stop Gateway

Ride to be in the street to steer towards a future not crippled by cars
The last Critical Mass of the year to start with the sun up
the last friday of this month Let's
5-5:30pm Gather, 6pm Leave
today 28 september at the
Vancouver Art Gallery
Lions side

| /
O
| \

Grandma
Free Betty K
will be joining us for the
Critical Mass bike ride and roll.
She was jailed for opposing the highway
expansion to whistler Eagle Ridge Bluffs Olympic
The Velo fusion after party is going to be a fund raiser for her.

===Post-CM Party===

Please join us Friday September 28 to welcome Betty Krawzcyk back. Vancouver s 79 year old grandmother is getting out of jail. She has just spent 7 months imprisoned for trying to stop the destruction of Eagle Ridge Bluffs.. It would really mean a lot to her to see as many of us as
possible. Everything she does is because she cares so much about future generations and what we can do to save this planet. Please join us in welcoming her back.

This will be a fun event with speakers and lots of dancing, bands, performances, great DJ's and much more dancing. The event is a fund raiser for her legal expenses.

Lineup: Natural Flavors (Band) Timothy Wisdom (DJ) Broken Falls Community Hall Band (Band) Cabaret Kitty (Cabaret) Marni Norwich (Poet) Joe Foy (WC2 trouble maker) More performers still to be announced Where: The Anza Club #3 West 8th. Doors open at 8pm

Cost: $5 if you arrive with Critical Mass (Betty will be going on the critical mass bike ride) $10 otherwise NOBODY WILL BE TURNED AWAY DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS !

>>>===--->- Please forward widely

The Day to Stop Gateway

Saturday,
September 29th, 2007
stopgateway.ca

3 Events:
Rail and buses YES! Not highways.
Send a strong message to Big Brother Campbell that Gateway is the Wrong way.

• The Spirit of Sustainability Connecting Spirituality and Ecology in the context of the Gateway Program
  

Vancouver (car pool, bus, or bike)
949 West 49th at Oak,
The Unitarian Church
3:30 to 5:00 pm

Engagement by Erratica & Port Action Theatre Troupe
Speakers include Derek Corrigan, Gordon Price, Dr Bill Rees, Stephen
Rees, Jim Houlahan and Donna Passmore.

• The Ride to Stop Gateway

A mass ride from the The Spirit of Sustainability Rally to Hello Al, Goodbye Gateway Rally.
5:00pm The Unitarian Church 949 West 49th at Fremlin (1 block east of Oak) Meet by the bike parking. The ride will arrive at the Bayshore in plenty of time to catch the action.

• Hello Al, Goodbye Gateway Rally Welcome Al Gore to Vancouver

Demand Action on Climate Change and Have Fun Doing It
Bring your signs and banners.
(East of the Westin Bayshore)
5:00 - 7:30 pm Cardero St. at Coal Harbour

Engagement by Timothy Wisdom, Raging Grannies, Ned Jacobs and the Port Action Theatre Troupe. Speakers Adriane Carr, Suzanne Anton, David Cadman, Heather Deal, Joe Foy , Harold Steves, Michael Sather, Peter Julian, David Fields and Betty Krawczyk.

BRING YOUR FRIENDS! BE THERE FOR CLEAN AIR!!
For more information: Donna Passmore - 604=536=2790
Richard Campbell - 604=733=1764
stopgateway.ca
facebook/group?=5894219313