Squamish bid on Lions Gate

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The Squamish First Nation of North Vancouver has entered into a partnership with a Montreal engineering firm with a proposal to upgrade the crossing from Vancouver to the North Shore.

The plans for a second bridge to twin the 50 year old existing Lions Gate Bridge across the First Narrows were unveiled in Vancouver May 25.

The proposal was one of eight presented to the public by the provincial transportation department to replace the aging Lions Gate, which has outlived its 50-year lifespan.

The $225 million project, which would be paid in full by private sector funds, calls for the construction of a carbon copy of the three-lane Lions Gate Bridge. When the new one is completed, the old bridge would be upgraded.

The new bridge would carry traffic north, and Lions Gate would remain for southbound traffic into Vancouver's downtown through Stanley Park.

"I think if you look at all the proposals, this is the best," said Squamish band chair Bill Williams. "Not only do we support this proposal, we're active participants and partners."

The Squamish, who own the land at the north end of Lions Gate and the proposed bridge, entered into the joint venture with SNC - Lavalin and Canron Construction to ensure the environment would be protected and jobs would be created for North Shore Natives, he said.

"As a partner, we have a say in what is going to be built, how it is going to be built, and what is the impact on Stanley Park," said Williams.

The band would also take a percentage of the $2 toll to be collected on the new bridge. The toll is expected to pay off the cost of the bridge in 20 to 25 years.

"We happen to own the section of the land the bridge is on and we are glad to be partners," said Williams.

"We are looking at this as a business opportunity."

The other proposal includes plans for single-double and triple-deck crossings, none of which involved the Squamish.

"Our advantage over other proponents is that our negotiations with the Squamish Nation are done," said Bernard Lamarre of Lavalin.

"It helps our bid but it also helps the B.C. public because construction of the bridge will not be held up for a year or more until negotiations with the Squamish are complete."

Peter Buckland, the engineer in charge of maintaining the Lions Gate, says plans to upgrade the old bridge are premature because not enough research has been done to determine how much traffic to plan for in the Lower Mainland or where the growth should be channeled.

The B.C. highways ministry is having several committees study the bridge issue and a short list is expected by fall.