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Victoria Chamber of Commerce calls for transit referendum

Clarity needed on costs and potential economic benefits

Public endorsement and a third-party review of the proposed billion-dollar light-rail rapid transit system are needed given its expense and complexity, says the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

Following a review and analysis of light-rail’s potential economic impact, chamber officials say a regionwide public referendum should be held.

“We need to clearly understand the business case for improved transit and the associated potential economic benefits,” said David Marshall, chair of the chamber’s board, in a release.

But B.C. Transit says the business case is now before the Ministry of Transportation and Partnerships B.C., serving as a third-party review, said B.C. Transit spokesperson, Joanna Linsangan, adding that a referendum on the project would need to be decided by the Victoria Regional Transit Commission.

emccracken@vicnews.com