The provincial government would consider a City of Abbotsford gas tax, but only if the municipality shows a commitment to drive forward with the initiative.

Abbotsford-West MLA Michael de Jong said this week that the province would "work cooperatively" with the City of Abbotsford, should it decide to press ahead with a plan to add two cents to a litre of fuel.

Abbotsford Mayor George Peary estimates the tax would raise $5 million to $6 million each year to improve roads and the local transit system. The changes could come into effect as early as 2010.

In late August, a consultant's report recommended that Abbotsford pay double the $4.4 million it currently spends each year on road resurfacing.

Peary first floated the suggestion of an Abbotsford gas tax in March, but rather than it being a new concept, de Jong said he has suggested the option to previous councils. Only now has the city shown an appetite to look into it, he said.

"I think Mayor Peary is doing precisely the right thing by putting this on the table. Our community has a choice to make," said de Jong.

De Jong said the province will not force a gas tax on Abbotsford. It will be up to the city to gauge public feedback, he said, and then submit an official application.

"I haven't met many people who want to pay more of any tax, but this is a choice we have to make," he said.

"I think most fair-minded people understand that if we are going to enhance transportation services within the city, or our connections to other communities, it's going to cost significant amounts of money and these funds don't exist at the moment."

De Jong described the local gas tax debate as "fundamentally important."

"People need to think about it and discuss it, but they need to do so while understanding the city is in no better position than the province to print money. It will need to come from somewhere."

De Jong confirmed the fuel tax option is open to other cities, but said he doesn't know of any other communities which are considering it.

He believes Abbotsford to be in a "unique position" since it borders Metro Vancouver. Communities in Metro already pay a six cent per litre gas tax, which is used by TransLink to pay for regional transportation projects.

City manager Frank Pizzuto said there has been some initial discussions with Victoria, which resulted in the province telling the city to develop a proposal before submitting it for consideration.

If the gas tax gets a positive council vote, city manager Frank Pizzuto said the issue will be pitched to the public. That feedback will determine whether a formal application goes to the province.