Premier Christy Clark calls for more federal cash for TransLink projects

Premier Christy Clark says the solution for Metro Vancouver's transit concerns won't be more money from provincial coffers, and instead is calling on the federal government to stump up more cash.

• Gregor Robertson wants premier and PM to pay more for transit projects
• Voters say No to new Metro Vancouver tax, transit improvements

Clark said she is talking to Ottawa about increasing the share put forward federally for major projects such as the proposed Broadway-UBC subway. Currently, the bill is split equally between federal, provincial and municipal governments.

"I think there are a whole bunch of different options out there and we are trying as a province to lead that discussion with the federal government to ensure they are a full partner," Clark said Thursday.

Last month, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson floated the idea that both the province and Ottawa should increase their stake, leaving the municipalities to cover just 10 per cent.

Clark says she's not willing to increase the province's share, but if the federal government steps up, she says that may "make it possible for municipalities to avoid going to a referendum."

In July 2015, Metro Vancouver residents voted against a plebisciteon a $7.5-billion regional transportation plan, raising questions around how improvements to transit and transportation will be funded over the next decade.