Month: March 2009

In U.S., a hot debate on infrastructure privatizing

In the aftermath of the recent economic recession, many U.S. state governments are tempted to follow Chicago’s successful use of P3s to raise money. P3s, or “public-private partnerships” hand public assets to private businesses to run them as profit enterprises. P3 critics however argue that states will subjecting taxpayers to higher costs and greater risks in the long run. Read more about P3s in Reuters.

Want One Port Mann Bridge, or a Light Rail Metropolis?

The B.C. government intends to spend $3.1 billion rebuilding and expanding the Port Mann Bridge and connecting Highway 1 routes. Sustainable design researchers at U.B.C. found that for the same cost, the government could finance a light rail system providing connection to residents in Surrey, White Rock, Langley, and Delta. The proposed rail system would connect rapidly developing communities in the South Fraser region, and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Read more about this light rail system at The Tyee.

Centre for Civic Governance Keynote Speaker Advises Madoff Victims

Resource economist Mark Anielski spoke to a full-capacity crowd at the Centre for Civic Governance’s "From the Ground Up" forum at Harrisson Hot Springs March 6th and 7th, 2009. In the midst of the worst economic meltdown since the Great Depression, Mark turned the discussion to the "Economics of Happiness".  Colleen Kimmett of the Tyee blogged about the event and went on to write about Mark’s next adventure in New York.

B.C. rivers at risk from green power, report says

Half of B.C.’s most threatened rivers are at risk from “green energy projects” according to a report released from the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. In the absense of comprehensive provincial strategies, private run-of-river power proposals and urban and industrial development are threatening the health and biological integrity of sensitive river ecosystems. Read report here.