On behalf of the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, MLA Scott Hamilton will gather input and ideas from stakeholders and community representatives to understand transportation priorities south of the Fraser River, Minister Todd Stone announced today.

“From the South Fraser Perimeter Road to building the George Massey Tunnel replacement, the province is investing heavily in transportation infrastructure south of the Fraser,” said Stone. “As the communities grow and port traffic increases, we need to plan for the future and take advantage of the many opportunities in the region. I’ve asked Scott Hamilton to take the lead on this work, and gather feedback from community representatives on their priorities.”

Over the next few months, Hamilton will facilitate discussion with local government officials, First Nations, Chambers of Commerce and other community leaders about how improvements to provincial infrastructure will tie into and support local and regional transportation priorities.

These discussions will focus on traffic congestion, population growth, highway safety, cycling connections and port traffic.

“The transportation network south of the Fraser River is a major part of the Pacific Gateway, and as the region grows, we need to make improvements that keep goods and people moving efficiently,” said Hamilton. “I’m looking forward to hearing local ideas about the province’s transportation network and to bring back opportunities and suggestions that could help shape future improvements to our infrastructure south of the Fraser River.”

The information Hamilton gathers will be informed by the goals set out in BC on the Move, the Province’s 10-year plan for transportation across the province. BC on the Move focuses on growing the economy, meeting the needs of our growing population and supporting the province’s expanding resource sectors. It sets out strategies and actions to improve the safe and reliable movement of people and goods by land, rail, air and sea.

The information gathered will inform future provincial planning and help define specific priorities for provincial infrastructure in the area.