New B.C. Premier-Designate Calls for Pause on Massey Tunnel Replacement Project

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Lorne Doerkson, the premier-designate of British Columbia, has urged the outgoing New Democrat government to pause the Massey Tunnel replacement project, advocating for a review and a potential shift to a bridge option instead.

In Victoria, the newly elected premier-designate of British Columbia, Lorne Doerkson, has requested that the outgoing New Democrat provincial government temporarily halt work on the Massey Tunnel replacement project. This project, which has been a contentious issue in provincial politics, is currently set to proceed with an $8.5 billion budget, but Doerkson is advocating for a switch to a bridge option, a promise he made during his election campaign last month.
Doerkson clarified that he is not advocating for a complete stop to all construction activities, indicating that essential work should continue until the incoming cabinet is ready to finalize the project's direction. His B.C. Conservative government believes that a bridge would offer better value for taxpayers and has committed to conducting a thorough review of the tunnel as well as considering alternative options.
The discussion surrounding the Massey Tunnel replacement has been a significant political divide, particularly between the NDP and its opponents. The late former premier John Horgan had previously canceled the bridge project initiated by the B.C. Liberals in 2013, opting instead for a tunnel replacement in 2021.
Following the B.C. Conservative party's overwhelming victory in the provincial election on October 24, where they secured approximately two-thirds of the legislative seats, Doerkson stated, "British Columbians have elected a new government with a mandate to take a hard look at major infrastructure priorities and ensure that taxpayers receive the best possible value. We believe that value lies in a new bridge."
In his statement, Doerkson emphasized that no new contracts or procurement processes that would commit the province to the tunnel option should proceed, although he assured that existing contracts would be honored. He expressed concern that further expenditures or commitments locking British Columbians into the tunnel alternative should not occur before the new government completes its review of the situation.
The federal government has previously indicated its willingness to contribute a third of the cost for the Fraser River crossing replacement, up to a maximum of $3 billion. In response to the recent provincial election, Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon remarked that Ottawa remains supportive of whatever direction the new premier decides regarding the crossing, stating, "crossing that river whatever way the premier tells us to."
As the situation develops, the implications for the Massey Tunnel replacement project will become clearer, particularly in light of the incoming government's focus on infrastructure priorities and fiscal responsibility. The outcome of the review may significantly influence the future of transportation infrastructure in the region.

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