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BC Business Council endorses tolls on more bridges

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The BC Business Council has come out in favour of tolling more bridges in the Lower Mainland.

The suggestion is made in a report looking at the need to keep up with the demands on our roads, hospitals and water systems.

The council says tolling more bridges will improve equity across the region.

Executive Vice President Jock Finlayson points out that current tolls penalize drivers in one pocket of the region.

“Why is it just two crossings that are tolled? It would make more sense in the long run to have smaller tolls rather than hitting people south of the Fraser with higher tolls.”

The council also wants to see more long-term infrastructure planning, to make decision-making less reactive.

Finlayson says a combination of secure funding, such as tolls, and the current economic climate  should prompt the province to launch much needed projects, like building a new St. Paul’s hospital.

“The cost of borrowing is right now at a record low. It’s probably a good time for governments to be stepping up investments in needed physical infrastructure.”

Another major theme of the report is how to support and plan for future expansion of Port Metro Vancouver.

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