The debate on the future of rapid transit was anything but quick at city hall in Winnipeg Wednesday, with council ultimately shooting down a call for a referendum and then giving the green light to the $590-million second phase.

A Probe poll previously showed 71 per cent of Winnipeggers wanted a referendum added to the ballot in October.

Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) wanted the referendum question put on the October election ballot to ask Winnipeggers if the bus money should go to roads instead.

"I don't know why we need to drop everything and regardless of the cost and invest in this particular model of rapid transit right now,” said Browaty.

The referendum motion was easily defeated, with only three votes in favour of it.

"This referendum proposal is a tactic designed to derail rapid transit late in the game," said Coun. Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry).

Some rapid-transit advocates said it’s time to get the job done.

“Finally, Winnipeg has the potential for a transit system that would make us the envy of other cities,” said Zach Fleisher, a rapid-transit advocate.

The project would be cost shared by all three levels of government and includes the widening of the Jubilee underpass.

“This route has been looked at for years - phase one was approved. This is phase two. This completes it down to the university. I think it will be good for the university, good for the stadium, good for the city," said Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital).

“Young people that will make the city much greater than it is today - they want to see rapid transit," said Mayor Sam Katz.

"Rapid transit is and will continue to induce higher density developments and increase the City of Winnipeg's tax base,” said Mark Cohoe from the Bike to the Future group.

Some of the councillors against it said they’re still not clear on where the city will get its share of the funding.

"I can't in good conscience commit this much money to a project where I don't feel 100 per cent behind (it)," said Coun. John Orlikow (River Heights-Fort Garry).

Under the plan, the second phase of rapid transit is expected to open in 2020.

Council narrowly passed the plan to approve the second phase by a vote of 9-6, with Coun. Dan Vandal absent.

Council also passed an infrastructure wish list for federal funding, which includes a Waverley underpass and the widening of Kenaston and Marion and other road extensions and bridge projects.

- with a report from Jeff Keele