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Pattullo Bridge replacement announcement coming soon

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 The Pattullo Bridge replacement project was the lone infrastructure project to be singled out by the B.C. NDP government in Tuessday's throne speech. File photoThe Pattullo Bridge replacement project was the lone infrastructure project to be singled out by the B.C. NDP government in Tuessday’s throne speech. File photo

The provincial government is driving forward with plans to replace the Pattullo Bridge.

The aging bridge was the lone infrastructure project in B.C. specifically mentioned in the NDP’s throne speech on Tuesday.

“It said explicitly we will be moving quickly to replace the Pattullo Bridge,” said New Westminster MLA Judy Darcy. “It was in the throne speech – the only infrastructure project that was specifically named. It means there is an announcement coming soon about the Pattullo Bridge.”

Darcy said she continually hears from people about how dangerous the bridge is and how badly it needs to be replaced.

“Our understanding is an announcement is expected very soon with that project,” said Mayor Jonathan Cote. “The City of New Westminster has been working very collaboratively with the City of Surrey and TransLink regarding the detailed concept and design plans for the bridge. TransLink would like to move forward with the procurement process for the bridge starting this year, so it’s critically important to get the funding for that project resolved as soon as possible.”

If the provincial government is willing to get on board and provide funding for the Pattullo Bridge replacement project, Cote said construction could start as soon as 2019.

“Until we get the funding issues resolved and a commitment from the provincial government, that project is not able to move forward,” he said. “We are really looking forward to that announcement and very optimistic that finally we are going to see the replacement of the Pattullo Bridge.”

While the plan under the previous Liberal government was to largely fund construction of the new bridge through tolls, Cote said that’s changed because the NDP government has eliminated tolls.

“That has essentially eliminated the main funding source, so pretty much to make this bridge project occur it is going to require the provincial government to be funding replacement of this bridge,” he said.

Overall, Darcy said the key focus of her government’s Throne Speech was about making life more affordable for British Columbians.

“This is really about putting people at the heart of our priorities as a government,” she said. “It’s about putting people first, focusing on affordability, focusing on services that people rely on. It really is about saying, if we are going to talk about a booming, prosperous economy in British Columbia, it has to be one that works for everyone.”

Darcy said housing and childcare are the centrepieces of the provincial government’s plans, with financial details to be provided in next week’s budget. She said the government will be bringing in a comprehensive housing strategy that addresses the demand side, the supply side and the security side of the issue.

“Every day, somebody has a new idea about what’s going to be the magic bullet to solve the housing crisis,” she said. “We are saying it is not one thing, it’s going to be a whole menu of things and it’s going to take partnerships at all levels in order to turn the corner.”

Cote was pleased to hear the province is prepared to make significant commitments to address affordable housing and child care.

“The devil will be in the details, but those are some major, critical issues facing the Metro Vancouver region and the City of New Westminster,” he said. “The City of New Westminster is really eager to partner, particularly when it comes to addressing issues we are facing with affordable housing and the desperate need to see more nonmarket housing coming into existence.”

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