Skip to content

Province to have a voice on TransLink board

The region's transportation body will now have two provincial representatives at the board table.
TRANSLINK
The new provincial appointees to TransLink.

The region's transportation body will now have two provincial representatives at the board table.

Today (Thursday), B.C.'s minister responsible for TransLink named retired Vancouver Police chief Jim Chu and Murray Dinwoodie, the former city manager of Surrey, to the TransLink board of directors.

In a conference call, Peter Fassbender said the two former civic employees are intended to "restore confidence" following this spring's No decision to the 0.5% sales tax to fund more transit programs.

"The region has delivered a clear message to TransLink as a result of the plebiscite that it must — as a first order of business — restore public confidence in the fiscal management and the ability of TransLink to deliver the services that are so vitally important to the region," Fassbender said in the media call.

Both provincial reps will have an equal role and vote at the board table, said Fassbender, a former chairperson of the TransLink mayor's council — the other organization tasked to govern TransLink.

He described Chu and Dinwoodie as "well-respected leaders who will chart a new course" and provide guidance "so clearly needed" for the beleaguered transportation body.

“Their expertise, insight and sterling record of public service will strengthen the board’s ability to serve this region and the citizens of Metro Vancouver,” added in a press release TransLink board chairperson Barry Forbes, who was elected to the top job July 30.

TransLink has had provincial seats on the board in the past — including one held more than a decade ago by Port Coquitlam NDP MLA Mike Farnworth — but they have never been filled.

Farnworth told The Tri-City News Thursday he didn't attend those meetings because, it was felt at the time, that Metro Vancouver transit decisions were best left with the local mayors.

Asked about the Chu and Dinwoodie appointments, the Opposition House Leader said no one is disputing their credentials; however, the TransLink board structure remains broken. "It needs to be fixed. You need to have elected people in place in order for it to be accountable," Farnworth said.

Meanwhile, as for Chu and Dinwoodie's remuneration, Fassbender said it would be based on the number of board meetings they attend; however, it would be up to them to claim their salary, if they wish. The next TransLink board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 27.

Fassbender also told media Chu's appointment did not signal a possible restructuring for transit police.

Among TransLink's board of director duties are to supervise the TransLink management, submit long-term transportation strategies to the mayor's council and approve TransLink's annual operating budgets.

It is also responsible for appointing TransLink's CEO — a search that Fassbender recently put on pause.

jwarren@tricitynews.com