July 28, 2025
RED FM News Desk
A coalition of Metro Vancouver municipal councillors claiming alleging a decision taken by the Metro Vancouver Board to suspend an independent review of the troubled North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant, is urging Premier David Eby to reverse a recent. The project is currently billions over budget and years behind schedule, a situation that has drawn widespread criticism.
The controversial vote, held in-camera on Friday, July 25, decided to put the independent review on hold until the board’s court case against contractor Acciona is resolved. This is despite the fact that the trial isn’t expected to begin for another two years.
“Metro Vancouver continues to show that transparency is simply not part of its operating culture,” stated New Westminster Councillor Daniel Fontaine. “We are calling on the Premier to do the right thing—overturn the Board’s secret vote and allow the review to proceed as planned.”
Richmond Councillor Kash Heed sharply criticized the board, calling their decision an act of “political self-preservation.” He suggested the move was deliberately hidden from public view to “avoid accountability ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.”
“Taxpayers want answers—not more delays and cover-ups,” Heed emphasized. “Premier Eby must act to restore public trust and ensure this review continues. How much more proof does he need that Metro Vancouver is prioritizing its own political protection over the interests of taxpayers?”
Surrey Councillor Linda Annis highlighted that without an independent review, taxpayers will remain in the dark, especially if the legal dispute concludes with a confidential settlement.
“The Premier himself called for an independent review,” Annis reminded. “Now Metro Vancouver has reneged on that commitment. If this ends in a private settlement, taxpayers will be left with zero transparency and billions in cost overruns. We need the province to step in and protect the public interest—not Metro Vancouver’s reputation.”
Burnaby Councillor Richard T. Lee pointed to the timing of the announcement as a clear indicator of the board’s intentions. “Let’s be clear—this news was dumped late on a Friday, which in political circles is known as ‘take out the trash day.’ Metro Vancouver clearly wanted as little public attention as possible. That tells you everything you need to know about their priorities.”
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