Vancouver Liberals call for viaduct demolition, UBC SkyTrain extension, and UEL amalgamation
Mayoral candidate Kareem Allam released a five-point economic agenda ahead of October 17 civic election, demanding provincial action on transit and land use.
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Vancouver Liberals released a five-point economic agenda this week, with mayoral candidate Kareem Allam calling for demolition of the Dunsmuir and Georgia viaducts, a SkyTrain Millennium Line extension to the University of British Columbia, and bringing both UBC and the University Endowment Lands into City of Vancouver jurisdiction.
"B.C., Vancouver and every other city in this province haven't been rowing in the same direction," Allam said. "Voters now get to make two choices one week apart. Some would rather talk about the calendar. I'd rather talk about what Vancouver needs and make sure every party seeking to govern this province has to answer for it."
Vancouver civic elections are scheduled for October 17, followed by the provincial general election on October 24. The Liberals plan to share their agenda with every provincial party leader and record commitments from each.
On transit, Allam's call for a UBC extension faces a long timeline. The Broadway Subway project—currently under construction between VCC-Clark and new Arbutus Station—is scheduled to open in late 2027. The 99 B-Line bus will complete the remaining journey to UBC until transit authorities move forward. TransLink Mayors' Council has scheduled the SkyTrain UBC extension to proceed sometime in the first half of the 2030s, the second half of the current 10-year transit expansion plan. The province, which has completed a significant portion of the project's business case, is deferring to TransLink's timeline. Premier David Eby's BC NDP administration has rejected calls to expedite the project, citing steep annual provincial budget deficits and soaring debt that are slowing the pace of new major capital projects.
On land use, Allam argues that bringing UBC and UEL into Vancouver would give residents there municipal voice and allow the areas to be planned together with the rest of the city. Eligible voters at UBC and in UEL can currently vote for Vancouver School Board trustees only, not for the mayor.
The facts
When are Vancouver's next civic and provincial elections?
Vancouver's civic election is scheduled for October 17, 2026, followed by the provincial general election on October 24, 2026.
What are the three main demands in Kareem Allam's economic agenda?
Kareem Allam is calling for demolition of the Dunsmuir and Georgia viaducts, a SkyTrain Millennium Line extension to the University of British Columbia, and bringing both UBC and the University Endowment Lands into City of Vancouver jurisdiction.
When does the TransLink Mayors' Council plan to proceed with the SkyTrain UBC extension?
TransLink Mayors' Council has scheduled the SkyTrain UBC extension to proceed sometime in the first half of the 2030s, which is the second half of the current 10-year transit expansion plan.
