June 26th, 1972 /2

Prior to the question being called on the forcgoing resolution,

a discussion ensued, and Mr. Williams advised there are Sreater costs
involved today in providing toll-free calling service, and stated he
did not think the residents of Vancouver would be prepared to
subsidize an additional charge therefor, Mr. Williams further advised
that the Telephone Company had recently completed a survey of Fort
Coquitlam'’s calling habits indicating that 70% of the City's population
do not call Whalley, 75% plus do not call West Vancouver and 90% plus
do not call North Vancouver, and that the Telephone Company was not
prepared to conduct another plebicite at this time when the statistics
are so obviously against it.

Alderman Meyer commented that according to his approximate
calculations, provision of toll-free calling for Port Coquitlam would
xequire less than l¢ per person per month, and suggested that the

" Telephone Company's recent Survey was completely fallacious.
Alderman Meyer also commented on the poor service between Port
Coquitlam and Vancouver. Alderman Leggatt pointed out that Port
Coquitlam is located in the Lower Mainland and stated he felt that
the Telephone Company should develop one unit telephone 1ate for the
metropolitan area. His Worship the Mayor pointed out that persons
living on boundary roads immediately adjacent to Port Coquitlam in
the District of Coquitiam enjoy toll-free calling privileges as well

as lower monthly rates. Mr. Williams stated that telephone exchanges

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cannot conform to municipal boundaries. Alderman Mabbett inquired
whether the Telephone Company would be prepared to distribute a
questionnaire to the residents of Port Coquitlam in order to get an
opinion from the subscribers with respect to toll-free calling, and
Mr. Williams stated it would not be fair fe suggest such a possibility
when the Company was not going to provide it. Alderman Meyer stated
he felt that the Canadian Transport Commission should be made aware

of this injustice, and that he would be presenting a draft letter to

tha’. Department next week for Council's consideration. Mr. Williams )
advised he would present the Proposal of a survey to the Telephone

Company's management, but again reiterated’ his view that in principle

it is not right to ask persons if they want something when you are

hot prepared to give it to then.