## Weak Support for Metro Vancouver Megacity
A recent survey conducted by Research Co. reveals that residents of Metro Vancouver show weak support for the idea of a full megacity amalgamation. Instead, there is notably higher backing for smaller, more regional mergers within the area.
## Public Sentiment and Regional Differences
Most Metro Vancouver residents prefer maintaining their individual municipal identities rather than merging into a single large city. This is reflected in concerns from municipalities like Burnaby, where residents worry that a merger could overshadow their own local priorities and financial stability. For example, Burnaby residents express interest in avoiding increased taxes or upzoning initiatives that primarily benefit Vancouver, revealing the importance placed on maintaining lower property taxes and local amenities.
## Smaller Amalgamation Ideas Gain Traction
Greater enthusiasm exists for amalgamation proposals involving smaller neighboring areas, such as New Westminster, White Rock, and Tsawwassen, where tax bases are stable but limited in expansion. There is also support for combining parts south of the Fraser River to better plan transportation and infrastructure projects. However, political differences between municipalities, such as Surrey's emphasis on development and Vancouver's preference to minimize spending, complicate these efforts.
## Challenges Highlighted by Metro Vancouver Residents
Residents point to experiences in other cities like Toronto, where suburban areas with larger populations have politically dominated the urban core, detrimentally affecting transit and infrastructure funding. Similarly, the different financial conditions of municipalities—such as Burnaby's debt-free status—add complexities to a potential merger.
> "Burnaby is unlikely to take on Vancouver's financial obligations," one resident noted, underlining fiscal concerns linked to amalgamation.
## Summary
The survey underscores a general reluctance among Metro Vancouver residents toward a megacity merger, with a clearer preference for regrouping smaller, regionally linked municipalities to address practical issues like transportation without sacrificing local governance and financial autonomy.
> — Author's summary: Metro Vancouver residents favor smaller regional mergers over a full megacity amalgamation, reflecting diverse local priorities and financial concerns.
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Business in Vancouver — 2025-11-28