BC Business
Rendering of proposed 10-lane bridge replacement for the George Massey Tunnel
In an effort to stall the province’s preferred bridge replacement of the George Massey Tunnel, Metro Vancouver directors voted on Friday to ask the federal government for an environmental assessment of the controversial project. Thirty-seven of the region’s board members, with sole dissent from Delta Mayor Lois Jackson, supported a motion to write a letter to Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna outlining their concerns about the adverse environmental effects of the proposed 10-lane tolled bridge. Signed by board chair Greg Moore, the letter stated that while Metro Vancouver’s regional growth strategy promotes compact, transit-oriented development patterns, the bridge “represents a major ($3.5 billion) expansion of car-oriented infrastructure.” The letter questioned how six extra lanes of traffic created by the bridge would affect greenhouse gas emissions, which Metro Vancouver has committed to reduce in the region. “The potential for this project to increase greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to climate change is of concern,” it read. The board members also expressed concern for the aquatic bird and salmon habitat of the Fraser River estuary. Delta Mayor Lois Jackson has previously argued for the bridge, saying that it will be a benefit to ferry users, the Tsawwassen First Nation, border crossers and port traffic. But the majority of Metro Vancouver mayors have long prioritized transit over highways. In 2014, the Mayor’s Council on Transportation Investments released a 10-year plan which listed a new four-lane Pattullo Bridge, a subway line on the Broadway corridor and a Surrey LRT line. Premier Christy Clark announced plans for a bridge to replace the Massey Tunnel in 2014.
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