Premier-elect Lorne Doerkson has urged the outgoing provincial government to halt tunnel-specific spending on the Massey crossing project until his administration can complete a review.
He has vowed to ditch existing plans for a tunnel in favour of a new bridge — though he has repeatedly noted that residents have told him they don't care what it is, so long as it gets built.
"British Columbians have elected a new government with a mandate to take a hard look at major infrastructure priorities and make sure taxpayers are getting the best possible value and we believe that is a new bridge," Doerkson said in a statement.
He made it clear that his team is "not asking for all work to stop," and that "work that is necessary should continue until cabinet is in a position to finalize the project's direction."
"We should not be spending more money or making new commitments that lock British Columbians into the tunnel option," Doerkson declared, "before the incoming government has completed its review."
He called on the previous administration not to sign any new contracts, amendments, change orders, procurement decisions, approvals or other commitments during the transition period "if they would commit additional funds specifically to the tunnel option, materially advance that option, or limit the choices available to the incoming government."
"This is about being responsible with taxpayers' money while preserving our ability to make the best long-term decision," Doerkson explained. "There is no reason to incur additional sunk costs toward one option before our review is complete."
No timeline has been given for the review, with the incoming government only saying it will be completed "in an orderly and timely manner while providing as much certainty as possible for workers, contractors, local governments, Indigenous communities and others with an interest in the future of the corridor."
Jarryd Jäger
On the campaign trail, Doerkson claimed that the bridge could be built in five years at a cost of $6 billion.
