PUTTING ON THE BRAKES: Overnight parking in Delta prohibited for big rigs, 6 WOMEN’S EXPO: Fundraiser for pony rescue society took place at Harris Barn , 18
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www.delta-optimist.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016
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The voice of Delta since 1922
Bridge battle between cities Delta supports George Massey Tunnel replacement project while Richmond voices opposition SANDOR GYARMATI
s g y a r m a t i @ d e l t a - o p t i m i s t .c o m
It’s not been openly declared but it sure looks like a battle between two cities. Supported wholeheartedly by the Corporation of Delta, the George Massy Tunnel replacement bridge project is drawing heated and vocal opposition from the City of Richmond across the Fraser River. Although neither side is publicly criticizing the other directly, polar opposite viewpoints when it comes to the planned $3.5 billion tunnel replacement couldn’t be more pronounced. Noting project director Geoff Freer recently made a presentation to Delta’s agriculture advisory committee, Delta Coun. Ian Paton told the Optimist consultation on both sides of the river has been extensive. “This has been going on for over two years and yet the other municipalities act like ‘we don’t know anything about it’ and ‘this is news to us’ and ‘we need
Construction is slated to start next year on a new bridge to replace the Massey tunnel. more time to think about it.’ That’s crazy,” said Paton. “These people, they need to get out of their living rooms and come
experience what it’s like to get through the tunnel or over the Alex Fraser Bridge.” Saying she feels like she’s
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“talking in the wind”, a frustrated Mayor Lois Jackson in a recent interview said there’s a lot of politics in play.
Police release sketch of indecent act suspect JESSICA KERR
j ke r r @ d e l t a - o p t i m i s t .c o m
Delta police are asking for the public’s help in finding a suspect who in January committed an indecent act on a Ladner-bound bus. On Friday, Jan. 15 at 10 p.m., the complainant and the suspect boarded the 601 bus at Bridgeport SkyTrain station. The suspect sat down next to the
complainant and then exposed himself and began masturbating while the bus made its way to Ladner. The suspect got off the bus at about 10:30 p.m. at the stop on Harvest Drive at Ladner Trunk Road, near the Ladner McDonald’s. Police said that according to separate witnesses, the suspect has been seen on the 601 bus in the past, travelling from
Bridgeport station and always getting off at that stop in the evening. However, there was no regular pattern to his Sketch of suspect travel. The suspect is described as a Caucasian
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male, 45 to 65 years old, 5’10” to 6’2” tall with a slim build, short dark brown hair with some grey, slicked back and parted in the middle, and brown/grey facial stubble growth. He was wearing a charcoal grey jacket (well worn), blue jeans and dirty white runners. Investigators are asking anyone who can identify this suspect contact the department’s sex offences section at 604-946-4411.
Jackson was commenting on cold water being thrown on the project by other mayors, as well as a Metro Vancouver staff recommendation for the province to delay moving forward. That recommendation was recently endorsed by the Metro board but opposed by Delta council. “The new Massey Bridge is a $3 billion subsidy to Port Metro Vancouver for shipping fossil fuels. It will also open up Richmond and Delta to the development of 2,500 acres of farmland that the port wants. Claims that the bridge is being built for commuters is a hoax. Reports going back to 2006 show that it will simply add traffic pressure to the Oak and Knight Street bridges,” said Richmond Coun. Harold Steves. The longtime Richmond politician was commenting on his city getting Freedom of Information documents from bridge opponent Doug Massey that suggest Port Metro Vancouver and Fraser Surrey MAYORS: see Page 3
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