The Community Benefit Agreement for the Pattullo Bridge replacement project focuses on opening work opportunities for people where they live and will provide training for the future workforce of the province.

The agreement is now publicly available as part of the request for qualifications (RFQ) for the Pattullo Bridge replacement project. The landmark agreement prioritizes the hiring of qualified people who live within a 100-kilometre radius of the project and includes terms to increase the participation of women, Indigenous workers and apprentices.

“Hiring local people means growing local economies and building thriving communities across the province. We are increasing the participation of women, Indigenous workers and apprentices, to help them support their families and further their career path,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

The agreement includes a requirement for workers to join the Allied Infrastructure and Related Construction Council of British Columbia for the duration of the project within 30 days of being on the project worksite. This requirement is intended to ensure the goals of the agreement are reached, including the ratio of apprentices, hiring of women and Indigenous workers, along with benefits and the alignment of wages with prevailing construction industry rates.

“This agreement will ensure every worker will be treated fairly, paid good wages and receive benefits for their work, and the no-strike clause provides stability to the project. That’s a good deal for taxpayers and it helps ensure projects get completed on time and on budget,” Trevena said.

Following the completion of the RFQ process, the request for proposals (RFP) for the Pattullo Bridge replacement project will be posted in fall 2018. Construction will begin in 2019 and the new bridge will open in 2023.

Learn More:

For more information on the Pattullo Bridge replacement, visit: www.engage.gov.bc.ca/pattullobridge