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TFN adds support to tunnel replacement project

Tsawwassen First Nation has come out in support of the George Massey Tunnel replacement project. “Tsawwassen First Nation is very supportive of the plan to replace the George Massey Tunnel,” Chief Bryce Williams said.
bridge
At 10 lanes and an estimated $3.5 billion, the new bridge will be the longest in B.C. history.

Tsawwassen First Nation has come out in support of the George Massey Tunnel replacement project.

“Tsawwassen First Nation is very supportive of the plan to replace the George Massey Tunnel,” Chief Bryce Williams said. “Tsawwassen First Nation is building a sustainable and vibrant economic future – one that is integrated with the rest of the region. Travel times to shop, to work, or to live on Tsawwassen Lands depend largely on replacing the aging tunnel with a bridge designed to handle current and future growth in our corner of the Lower Mainland.”

Williams also voiced support for the appropriate consultations and review to minimize its impact on the area.

“We also need to make sure that the project has the appropriate community consultation and environmental reviews in order to minimize any impact on our territory, our treaty rights, and the Fraser River fishery, and we will be looking to ensure that a rigorous assessment does take place,” he said.

Phase 3 of the public consultations wrapped up Jan. 28, and today the province release the report summarizing the feedback received.

“We’ve heard from thousands of British Columbians during the last three years of consultations, and their input has helped shape the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “The input we’ve most recently received confirms support for the environmental benefits of the project, and for the much-needed capacity improvements that will benefit the entire region.”

According to a government news release, there was strong public support for capacity improvements, and the transit, cycling and pedestrian measures included in the project.

The most recent phase of public consultation ran Dec. 16 until Jan. 28 and included online feedback, as well as nine stakeholder meetings and two open houses in Delta and Richmond.

The government received more than 1,000 feedback forms and a total of 750 people attended the two open houses. The stakeholder meetings included more than 100 people representing at least 60 organizations.

Responses were received from residents from across the Lower Mainland with higher concentrations in Delta, Richmond and Vancouver.

“Our province has had incredible growth in the last 50 years. We are one of the most desirable places to live and work in the world and that growth is going to continue,” said Sid Keay, president of Delta-based Ocean Trailer. “It’s absolutely vital that our infrastructure catch up and be able to keep up with that growth. The movement of people and cargo in a safe, timely and cost effective manner is vital to the quality of life we British Columbians deserve. The tunnel replacement with a modern new bridge structure will go a long way to doing just that.”

Next up, the province expects to submit the formal application for an environmental assessment to B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office in late spring or early summer. This will be followed by a public comment period on the environmental application.