Update

[Cynthia Farnsworth]

It's been awhile since we updated you on the Container Truck Traffic issue, so here's a brief run-down on what we've been up to:

Our core group consists of Eileen Mosca, Kelly Carter, Monica Morgan and Cynthia Farnsworth, with help from Harold Catt and Dalyn Szilvassy.  

Amongst other emails, letters, phone calls and discussions, here is a run-down of some of the significant meetings we've had on the topic:

• In mid-August our group met with Sadhu Johnston, Lon LeClair and Winston Chou from the City and asked for a meeting together with the Port to review the issue and how it can be resolved, as well as to debunk some of the rumours that had been floated about why the Clark Drive entrance had been closed.  We found Sadhu to be very receptive to our concerns and helpful.  
• Early in September we met with Shane Simpson, our local MLA, to discuss the province's role in the situation - Shane offered some great advice and contacts.
• In early October we met with Dr. Peter Hall, Professor in Urban Planning @ SFU.  Peter's research focus has been in examining the relationships between Ports and Communities internationally.  Peter was very generous with his time and information and we left with a much better understanding of some of the dynamics coming into play in the situation we are facing.  Peter also plans to have his Spring session 4th year students investigate this situation as a Case Study.
• Last week our group met with Sadhu Johnston, Jerry Dobrovolny of the City and Tony Benincasa and Carolyn Timmons from the Port Metro Vancouver.  We had a very informative discussion regarding the development of the problem, the MRN Pilot Project which is currently slated to end in November, and the long term infrastructure and transportation plans of the Port with regards to develoment and capital projects.  
• Yesterday morning Tony Benincasa, Dennis Bickel, and Carolyn Timmons hosted us for a tour of Port Metro Vancouver to show our group the railway switches that affect traffic on the Port lands and talk to us about the South Shore Corridor Project.
• On Monday, November 7th, 7-9pm, Dennis Bickel from Port Metro Vancouver will present at the GWAC meeting (http://vcn.bc.ca/gwac for more info)  on the South Shore Corridor Project.  This major infrastructure project will alter the transportation systems within Port lands to allow for better movement of trucks on Port land and less interference on City streets.  Please attend if you are affected by the changed traffic patterns and interested in finding out more about the long term plans for Port Container Truck traffic.
• We continue to inform ourselves and pursue resolution to this issue.