“… at his best” – really? Those aren’t my words, so you can be the judge.
My thanks to Daniel and Keith and 24 Hours for putting on the forum where I had a chance to speak. I feel more strongly than ever that the decision on the Pattullo Bridge will be critical for the future of this region. For all the reasons mentioned below.
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Gordon Price, former TransLink board member and present Director of the City Program at Simon Fraser University discusses the TransLink’s proposal for a 6-lane replacement for the Pattullo Bridge.
His conclusion, it is a really bad idea at a time when TransLink can’t even afford the transit service to Surrey already promised, never mind the rapid transit lines envisioned for King George Boulevard and the Fraser Highway.
The forum was held in the La Perla Ballroom New Westminster’s River Market, with views across the Fraser River to Surrey’s historic Bridgeview neighbourhood. As you can see on the video, it was sponsored by the 24 Hours transit newspaper.
UPDATE from CKNW:
As Translink and the City of New Westminster battle over replacing the Pattullo Bridge, the Province is prepared to play peacemaker.
Transportation Minister Blair Lekstrom concedes New West has a point over traffic clogged roads with a new 6-lane span, “Part of the discussion I had with them were based on that. What we could do to actually bring the parties to the table to make sure. Because you are right, bringing a six lane bridge into gridlock on one side of it doesn’t make a great deal of sense. So, is there work that has to be done there? I believe there is but that is through discussions that have yet to take place.”
Lekstrom says he is willing to play a role to bring both the City and Translink to the table for frank discussions on the Pattullo proposal. He adds as part of Metro Vancouver, New Westminster must face up to the traffic movement within the region.
Do Lekstrom’s words creep anyone else out?
To me it sounds like he is proposing more pavement in New West.