The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has applied to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) as part of the permitting process for the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project.

Based on the current design, the ministry anticipates there will be a net increase of agricultural land in Delta and Richmond, as it will give unused highway right-of-way back to agriculture when the project is finished.

The selected option of replacing the George Massey Tunnel with a new bridge on the existing Highway 99 corridor minimizes the impact to agricultural lands, as most of the project will be carried out within the existing Highway 99 right-of-way. The Province will only need small portions of land along sections of the highway in Richmond and Delta.

The project will also bring other benefits to the agricultural community, including better drainage through the construction of improved highway and farm field ditches, traffic congestion relief, and greater reliability in getting products to market with improved access across the highway and through communities.

The ministry has been working closely with the ALC, the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers in Richmond and Delta, land owners and local municipalities in preparation for this application. The ministry anticipates a decision from the ALC in fall 2016. 

There are other environmental benefits to the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project. Transit and HOV travel on Highway 99 will be more convenient and attractive, with 50 kilometres of dedicated transit lanes and new ramps at Bridgeport Road with direct transit access to and from Canada Line at Bridgeport Station, and space to accommodate future rapid transit. Multi-use pathways on both sides of the bridge will help make cycling and walking viable transportation alternatives across the river.

It is estimated that about 9,000 direct jobs will be created over the life of the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project. Construction will begin in 2017.

The ALC is an independent administrative tribunal dedicated to preserving agricultural land and encouraging farming in British Columbia.