On April 18th, the City Council of Pitt Meadows voted unanimously to reaffirm its commitment to the Harris Road Underpass Project. However, the Council declined the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s request to become a funding partner for the project and provide 25 percent of the costs, up to a maximum of $49.6 million. 

Mayor Nicole MacDonald stated that the Council had heard from many residents who support the Harris Road underpass but are opposed to the City becoming a funding partner due to concerns about the significant long-term tax burden. The Council will continue to advocate for federal funding to help close the funding gap and has received strong regional and provincial support for this critical project that advances national, provincial, regional, and local interests.

On March 28th, the port authority outlined significant affordability challenges related to the Harris Road underpass project, which they claimed put the project at risk. They requested that the City of Pitt Meadows depart from the terms of the Project Partnering Agreement and commit to becoming a funding partner by mid-April 2023 to help close the funding gap.

However, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Mark Roberts expressed concerns about committing $49.6 million to a project that falls within federal regulation and jurisdiction, as it would limit future decision-making and funding sources for the City’s existing and future services. Additionally, the $5 million required contribution presented too much risk for the City, regardless of the outcome of the assent of the electors’ process.

Mayor MacDonald echoed these concerns, stating that a funding request of this magnitude is not viable for a small municipality. Borrowing $49.6 million over a 30-year term would have resulted in an approximate tax increase of $9,000 for the average single-family home, which she deemed unreasonable. She also stressed the importance of not relying on a municipality to fund large-scale infrastructure projects that fall within federal jurisdiction and support the national trade corridor. 

If the project partners cannot close the funding gap, the port authority has indicated that it will not be able to lead the Harris Road underpass into construction. However, the project is a critical infrastructure necessary to mitigate the impacts of national and regional trade growth, including improved public safety, livability, viability, and economic prosperity for the community. 

Despite this setback, the City of Pitt Meadows remains fully committed to the Harris Road Underpass project and will continue to advocate for federal funding. Recent support from regional and provincial partners has generated meaningful discussions and interest at the federal level. The City is confident that ongoing discussions will provide opportunities to continue advocating for federal funding to help close the funding gap and ensure the successful completion of the Harris Road Underpass project.