Between March 16 and May 29, voters in Metro Vancouver will have the option to vote “yes” or “no” in the upcoming transit and transportation referendum. As is expected with any decision that will affect a large population, many sides to the debate have emerged, with people either supporting or opposing the 0.5 per cent tax increase. Here is a brief compilation of the different sides and perspectives that you need to know about before the referendum starts.
The “YES” side
With 232.5 million passengers reported in 2013, the amount of people already using TransLink’s services means a built-in group for those who might be in favour of increased/improved services. As well, mayors of four affected cities — Vancouver, Surrey, Port Coquitlam, and New Westminster — and several other civic representatives have come forward in support of a “yes” vote.
The “NO” side
Not everyone is singing high praise for the referendum, with several opponents, including the mayor of West Vancouver Michael Smith, claiming that TransLink should be using its current budget more efficiently rather than asking for more. Another group saying “no” to the referendum is the DDOV, or Debbie Downers of Vancouver, who are basically against everything all of the time.
The “no means yes” side
A newcomer to the debate, the “no means yes” side represents the part of the population who are obsessed with double-negatives and advocate for clarity anarchy. By voting “no” in the referendum, residents of the Greater Vancouver are saying “yes” to increased traffic congestion, longer wait times for buses, and less frequent SeaBuses.
The B-side
A lesser known — though equally important — side to the referendum debate, the B-side is often dismissed as having opinions that are less catchy than the mainstream groups, but they should still be appreciated for being a good argument regardless.
The flip side
The new, cool side to the debate that the youth of today can easily relate to. Their platform calls for more high-kicks and Slurpees for breakfast, but are generally opposed to going to bed early.
The Blind Side
Released in 2009, this film follows the story of NFL offensive lineman Michael Oher and his relationship with legal guardian Leigh Anne Tuohy. The pair were portrayed by Quinton Aaron and Sandra Bullock, respectively, and became one of Bullock’s most acclaimed roles, earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
The dark side
Formally known as TransLink.
