Will commuters go it alone to fund a proposed bridge replacing the Massey Tunnel - dropping tolls as they cross over the Fraser River's South Arm? Or will others also benefitting from a less congested link chip in as well?
Canadian Taxpayers' Federation spokesperson Jordan Bateman told the Richmond News to hold off on demands that Port Metro Vancouver foot some of the bill, even though it stands to gain from increased marine traffic if the Massey Tunnel is removed and replaced by a new span that provides the greater draft required by larger vessels heading for ports down the river.
"I think we've got to be a little bit careful. It's always attractive for us to find other people to pay for things," Bateman said.
Instead, the federal government should be the first port of call for additional funding for a bridge estimated to cost around $3 billion, if the new Port Mann Bridge is used as a comparison.
Premier Christy Clark made the new bridge announcement Sept. 20 at the UBCM meetings in Vancouver to a surprised gathering of civic politicians from around B.C. Clark said plans are for construction to begin in 2017.
In a press release that coincided with the bridge announcement, PMV's chief executive
officer, Robin Silvester, stated the port has been, "encouraging the BC Government to take action to address the long standing concern that the GMT presents a barrier to
continued growth in the Fraser River terminals."
Looking at current traffic figures for the chronically congested tunnel, Bateman said less than two per cent is port-related.
So, now is not the time to put cap in hand and approach PMV. Better is to see
what money Ottawa is willing to cough up for the project, Bateman suggested, adding to his knowledge, that has yet to be done.
"I'm always reluctant to put more on to PMV since 20 per cent of the nation's goods comes through that port. And if we add more costs to it, it ends up biting us at Walmart when we buy stuff," he quipped.
Other factors also need to be considered when determining just how much a new crossing would cost. One of them is the impact on traffic flows once the new South Fraser Perimeter Road is opened this December.
Coun. Bill McNulty said he knows exactly who should help foot the new bridge's bill. "I don't think (tolls) are necessary if the provincial government puts in the proper funding. Partners can be involved. And the provincial government should look at its long-range transportation plan and how it wants to move goods and services across the Lower Mainland. And if they want to include Port Metro Vancouver, maybe they should."
