The battle over a proposed sales tax increase to fund transit improvements will get an airing in Township council chambers.
When Councillor Angie Quaale proposed hearing someone from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, which opposes the tax, Councillor Charlie Fox said someone from the yes side should speak, too.
A majority of council decided that was the way to go, but not without some disagreement over how involved council should get in the coming regional referendum on the proposed 0.5 per cent tax.
Councillor Kim Richter saw little point in having the “yes” side speak at council.
“We’ve already heard from them ad nauseum,” Richter said.
Councillor Bob Long had reservations about opening up a council hearing to a “special interest group” because it could open the door to many other groups seeking an audience.
“I think we should just leave it alone,” Long said.
Quaale said council does allow “lots of special interest groups in here” and she is getting a lot of questions from residents about the issue.
In December, Metro Vancouver mayors, including Township Mayor Jack Froese and Langley City Mayor Ted Schaffer voted 18-3 to hold a vote on the tax, intended to fund a $7.5-billion package of transit upgrades.
The sales tax would cost the average household about $125.
The mail-in ballot will begin in March.