Working together to improve safety and access, Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, along with Chief Michelle Edwards of the Cayoose Creek Indian Band, finalized an agreement on Friday that outlines plans to co-manage and co-develop the replacement of the Lillooet Station Bridge on Highway 99 south of Lillooet.

The ministry and the Cayoose Creek Development Corp., the economic and business development arm of the Cayoose Creek Indian Band, have agreed on a collaborative approach to define the scope for a new bridge. This bridge will afford Cayoose residents easier and more reliable access into the Lillooet town centre.

The agreement in place sets the stage for the efficient delivery of an important piece of infrastructure and will facilitate the development of skills and capacity within the Cayoose Creek Indian Band community.

This partnership is a great example of an important BC on the Move priority to work collaboratively with First Nations, partnering on projects that support economic development on First Nation lands.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -

“Signing this agreement with the Cayoose Creek Indian Band allows the band and the ministry to work together on this important infrastructure project in the Lillooet area. I am confident this collaborative approach will make for a dynamic project from planning to completion.”

MLA Fraser-Nicola Jackie Tegart -

“This bridge project is a key highways project for my region. This partnership between the government and the Cayoose Creek Indian Band brings economic development to our local area while connecting our communities.

Chief Michelle Edwards, Cayoose Creek Indian Band -

“We are building bridges in our working relationship with the ministry. With this agreement, the Province has acknowledged that our direct involvement and Cayoose businesses provide a valuable contribution toward the development and planning of the bridge replacement.”

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241