I am a constituent who lives in Tsawwassen.
I have many concerns about the Massey Tunnel replacement program and would very much appreciate some answers to a number of questions in relationship to this project.
Only in the last week have ads appeared in the papers announcing information meetings and requesting comments in regards to the Massey Tunnel Replacement Project.
The deadline for the comments is Feb. 15., however, there are only two open houses available for the public, both of which take place at the end of the comment stage.
Jan. 26 at a Richmond hotel (Sandman Signature Hotel Vancouver Airport) and Jan. 27 at a Delta hotel (Delta Town & Country Inn). This leaves very little time for the public to research, study and verify any information that is given at the public meetings.
My own experience in similar situations is that public meetings often present information that is not available or has been changed from what appears in the online versions. Giving the public so little time to attend, study, research and then comment is ludicrous.
Additionally, both of these venues are extremely difficult to access by public transit and therefore could present a problem for members of the public wishing to attend. Nor are these locations accessible by foot or bicycle. The Delta Town & Country Inn, at 6005 Highway 17A at Highway 99, is located where there are absolutely no sidewalks or side roads.
I would suggest that there should be information meetings held in Ladner, Tsawwassen, White Rock and South Surrey, at central locations accessible by all forms of transportation. This would not then exclude members of the public who cannot or do not care to drive to these open houses.
It is also important that these meetings be live streamed and/or put on the Internet.
I would suggest that a similar program be implemented in the various areas of Richmond, which would be more accessible to the public.
This is a huge project that will leave a significant monetary and environmental footprint if it goes forward as planned.
Will you, or any other MP whose constituencies will be affected by this project, such as Richmond’s Liberal MP Joe Peschisolido, be attending and commenting on these open houses? Will you send out to your constituents your comments and recommendations regarding this project?
Since this bridge project will require federal dollars and is just now undertaking the environmental review, will it be required to conform to the new procedures and standards promised by the Liberals during the election campaign?
Thank you in advance for your timely reply,
Debbie McBride
Delta
