Re: Transportation referendum.
As a public health physician and the medical health officer for Surrey, I specialize in the health of communities. A big part of my job is working with the municipality and diverse groups in the community to advance public programs, policies and investments that reduce risk of disease and injury – and ultimately save lives.
I’m writing today to urge Surrey residents to vote yes in the transportation referendum. This month, you will receive a ballot in the mail asking if you support a 0.5-per-cent increase in the Provincial Sales Tax in order to fund billions of dollars in transportation improvements.
If the yes vote wins, Surrey will get more frequent rapid transit, modern light rail trains, more express buses and increased bus service overall, protected bike paths and a new, safer Pattullo Bridge. Access to frequent transit will greatly increase – with 300,000 additional people south of the Fraser able to walk five minutes or less to transit that runs every 15 minutes into evening and weekends.
These improvements will enable thousands of people to have practical choices in how to get around. It will allow us to integrate exercise into our busy lives, shrink our commutes, spend less time in gridlock and gain quicker access to the services, jobs, recreation opportunities, friends and family that keep us all healthy.
Even if you never take transit, you’ll still benefit: better air quality, reduced risk of traffic injuries for all road users, including those who walk, cycle, take transit or drive, less congestion, and a healthier, more connected community.
This is not a vote about TransLink, but a no vote will delay critically needed transportation improvements.
I will be voting yes as someone who walks, cycles, takes transit and drives. I will be voting yes as a physician who wants a healthier community. This month, you can make history with a yes win, a win for critical investments in healthier transportation choices. Please vote. This is an opportunity we can’t afford to miss.
Dr. Helena Swinkels
Medical Health Officer, Surrey
