The short answer
The North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant, a Metro Vancouver project, grew from an early estimate of about $700 million to a reported $3.86 billion. Regional costs flow into Burnaby utility bills. Vision 2030 would push for real audit controls and plain-language reporting to residents.
Three things to know
- Metro Vancouver runs regional water, sewer and garbage services; its costs are passed to member cities like Burnaby and on to residents' bills.
- The North Shore plant's reported cost grew from roughly $700 million to $3.86 billion, and Metro Vancouver's chief administrative officer was dismissed in 2025.
- Burnaby's mayor sits on the Metro Vancouver board and has held its chair during this period — a leadership role, not a spectator seat.
The honest comparison
What residents are asking
- Who was watching the cost of the region's largest infrastructure project while it grew more than fivefold?
- How much of that bill lands on Burnaby households and businesses?
- Why should residents accept 'finish the job' without a clear account of what went wrong?
My approach
- Use Burnaby's seats at Metro Vancouver to demand independent audits and hard cost controls on major regional projects.
- Report to Burnaby residents in plain language on what regional decisions will cost them.
- Work constructively with every level of government — TransLink, Metro Vancouver and the Province — because that is where Burnaby's biggest files are decided.
What you can hold me to
- 01Push for an independent audit framework on Metro Vancouver capital projects above a set threshold.
- 02Publish an annual plain-language summary of regional costs passed to Burnaby taxpayers.
- 03Bring every major regional vote back to Burnaby residents with an explanation of how I voted and why.
Elect Bill Petrovas
For Mayor of Burnaby
“From about $700 million to $3.86 billion. Burnaby taxpayers deserve oversight at Metro Vancouver, not another four years of 'finish the job.'”
#Burnaby #MetroVancouver #Accountability
Vote Oct. 17, 2026 · Your vote is your voice
Questions people ask
- What does Metro Vancouver have to do with my Burnaby bill?
- Metro Vancouver provides regional sewer, water and waste services. Its costs, including major treatment plants, are charged back to member cities and show up on residents' utility bills.
- Does the Mayor of Burnaby have a role at Metro Vancouver?
- Yes. Burnaby's mayor sits on the Metro Vancouver board, and board leadership sets the agenda and oversight standard for regional spending.
- Is this a personal attack?
- No. It's a question about results and oversight. Leadership roles come with responsibility for outcomes, and residents are entitled to ask about them.
Public sources
These official sources provide context for the responsibilities and existing plans discussed in this brief.
Read next
Respect every tax dollar
Why do Burnaby property taxes keep rising, and what can a mayor do about it?
Read the briefMajor project accountability
Why do Burnaby's major public projects face years of delays and growing budgets?
Read the briefA City Hall that answers
How can Burnaby City Hall become more efficient and easier to deal with?
Read the briefAnnouncements are not accomplishments. Debt free is not waste free. Vote Saturday, October 17, 2026 — your vote is your voice.
Burnaby's next chapter needs you in it
Knock doors, host a coffee meeting, put up a sign, or simply pass this page to a neighbour. Every conversation counts before Saturday, October 17, 2026.