A city councillor eyeing the mayor's job said Winnipeggers should get a say on spending $600 million for the next phase of bus rapid transit.
On Tuesday, the city and the province announced the long-awaited funding deal for the seven-kilometre corridor to the University of Manitoba.
Coun. Scott Fielding wants a referendum held.
"Talk to (the public). See if they think it's the number one priority for citizens," said Fielding.
Fielding said that money could be spent on other infrastructure projects like an inner-ring road and existing streets.
"You could fix 600 streets, for instance, with the $600 million...that's a lot of work that people would see on a day-to-day basis," said Fielding.
Mayor Sam Katz dismissed the need for a referendum and pointed out a large portion of the $600 million will be used for items other than just rapid transit, including widening the Jubilee Underpass and for bike paths in the area.
Katz said councillors can make the decision for voters.
"The referendum that you have is when council makes a decision," said Katz.
Transportation expert Barry Prentice said the city can't wait any longer on rapid transit from a cost perspective. As it currently stands, the second rapid transit line is not expected to open until 2019.
He said rapid transit also spurs development and helps get cars off the road.
"It also relieves congestion now and into the future. We intend to grow over time, so this is a 500-year investment," said Prentice.
Transit rider Eric Himbeault said he wants to see the rapid transit line extended to the University of Manitoba, but he thinks the public should get to weigh in on the plan and whether it should go ahead.
Some other city councillors who spoke to CTV on Thursday said they're not interested in a referendum. The province isn't interested either.
- with a report from Jeff Keele
