ulls over us future B.C. Reform Party appeals . to local independent MLA WEST VANCOUVER- Garibaldi MLA David Mitchell will decide by October whether to join the B.C. Reform Party or remain an independent MLA. By Anna Marie D’Angeto News Reporter “We are going to be celebrat- ing the third anniversary of the NDP's election in about six months time,” said Mitchell. “In my view, the NDP gov- ernment has to be replaced because they are doing a lot of NEWS, photo Pau! McGrath A REPORT on mass transit options for the North Shore foresees improved bus service as the best solution for local commuters who choose net to drive cars. Phibbs Exchange in North Vancouver may become a more popular spot in the near future. Buses offer direct service fied, B.C. Transit's study reached no conclusions. Marine transportation requiring passengers to From page 1 damage to our province,” he added. Mitchell has been an indepen- dent MLA for about two years. He broke from the B.C. Liberal Party after a dispute with then-leader Gordon Wilson. Mitchell did not rejoin the official opposition when former Vancouver mayor Gordon Campbell was chosen leader, “E see the Campbell Liberals as a party that is shallow and very opportunistic. They simply want to be there and they really do..’t stand for anything, no poli- cy,” said Mitchell. Mitchell said the B.C. Reform party has principles he supports such as balanced budgets and direct democracy, The B.C. Reform party MLAs INDEPENDENT WEST Van- Garibaldi MLA cavid Mitchell is critical of “Campbell Liberals.” are former Social Credit mem- bers. But Mitchell said the back room “boys” of the Bill Vander Zalm and Rita Johnston “regime” have aligned themselves with the B.C, Liberal party. Mitchell said an advantage of being an independent MLA is that he can put his constituents first, and nota political party first. Liberal Party members have criticized Mitchell for nat being # team player. low ridership. The study estimated a waterfront Lonsdale SkyTrain would attract approximately 2,000 rush hour users in the year 2001. In order to be cost effective, however, a rail transi: system requires peak hour ridership of at least 5,000. In addition, a rail transit system would probaly nat provide faster commuting Himes than buses could when transfer times are taken into account, Another factor against rail transit was the high capital investinent required. fn 1989. a SkyTrain link between Waterfront Station and Lonsdale Quay was estimated to cost over $400 million. The report said rail links usually promote high growth and increased density and would conflict with land use objectives for the North Shore as outlined in the GVRD's Livable Region Strategie Plan. in addition, the geography and widely dispersed population of the North Shore was considered ill- suited to the construction of a rail link. transfer between local buses and a ferry would offset any savings in travel time. B.C. Transit intends to further investigate the yia- bility of marine transit. B@ BUS The report identified buses as the fastest, most cost effective method of transportation available to commuters on the North Shore. Unlike either rail or marine options, buses have the advantage of being capable of providing direct service from focal neighborhoods on the North Shore to downtown Vancouver without the need for trans- fers. There are no recommendations made in the study for dedicated bus lanes in the short or medium tenn, but the study concludes that “a bus lane would pro- mote transit as the preferred mode of travel and would help protect transit travel times from deterio- ration inthe future.” The study concludes “a road-based transit system with enhanced priority measures will be capable of @ MARINE Although several new marine routes were identi- accommodating transit demands across Burrard Inlet Band land development heals Burrard natives’ business projects scen as a pathway to independence CHIEF LEONARD George of the Burrard band says development of native kinds is only the first step in a long healing journey for his people. By Bruce Methven Contributing Writer George said the band’s partnership with a land developer to form Takaya Developments has cre- ated opportunities for band members “to take their place in society rather than be put in their place.” But, said George, if the lives of band members are not improved as a result of the partnership, “then the development of our land and the generat- ing of moncy is a fruitless process.” To assist in this regard, Takaya has made an ityreement with the contractors to use qualified natives for construction whenever possible. “tH owas difficult to establish a long-term rela- tionship with a developer who understoud our needs.” said Georee. Bucin 1992, after locking “long snd ied.” the Burrard band eventaally setded of 3678 Investments Lid. partner. Abbey Woods and Loong Keng Lim are involved in 3678. George is happy with the busi- ness partnership so far. Fakaya has already built 100 townhouse units on five of 85 acres (34 hectares) available. The group is currently seeking approval to develop CALL US: 983-2208 another 10-acre (four hectare) package near the castern boundary of band property above Dollarton Highway near Deep Cove. Cicorge indicated the pro- posed development could include a marine facility on Burrard Inlet consisting of commercial space and town- houses as well as a four-storey apartment building. The 73-unit condominium complex now under construc- tion is expected to be complet- ed in the summer of 1995. Prices for the units are expect- ed to range from $130,000 to $250,000. To develop tts lands, the band must first submit plans to the Department of Indian Affairs for approval. The units now being sold are lease-hold properties on 96-year leases. The lessor is the federal government, which in turn leases the land back to Takaya. But George, who is now in the middle of his third two-year term as chief, admits the develop- ment of band lands has created mixed emotions on the reserve. Leonard George is hopefui about development initiatives which involve his people. And communicating the long-term goals of any change to others is always one of the most difficult ele- iments of the process, added George. To ensure better commu- nication bewween the 300 members of the band, George has implemented what he calls “the traditional council.” This format allows aif members of the George. Guss and Thomas families, who comprise the band, to have their voices heard by the chief and council at regular meet- ings. Some band members. George added. do not want change but “have a deep understanding dat something must be done te get indepen- dent again” He said auteno- my is important for pitives because “Our reliance on the federal government has proven to be unhealthy. “The operation of the Department of Indian Affairs has contributed greatly to the Canadian deficit, but they (indian Affairs) are a large bureaucritcy and most of the money circulates at that tevel and doesn't filter down to the people.” Chief THIS WEEK’S QUESTION: Should search and rescue officials charge rescued people for the service? well into the second half of the 21st century. oe Index ® A Day in Court B Budget Beaters. 45 * BF Business 41 @ Doug Collins... @ Crassward Bob Hunter, B Inquiring Reporter. i Insights. B Lifestyles. 43 BR Mailbox ccc ceeecseeeeseeene 8 20 @ North Shore Now @ Sports... 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