Vaughn Palmer: B.C.’s next premier hedges his bets on bridge instead of tunnel

VICTORIA — Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson says that after a round of government briefings, he’s “convinced now more than ever” that a bridge is a cheaper and less-risky option than a new tunnel to replace the aging Massey Tunnel.

“We have had some briefings that leave us now more strongly committed to a bridge than I was even during the campaign,” Doerkson told reporters Thursday.

“There are still many details that we have to sort through and better understand. But everything that we’ve seen, leads us to believe that this (bridge) is a far better direction for British Columbians and far more responsible.”

Doerkson told reporters that he still believes that the bridge can be built for $2.5 billion less than the NDP government’s latest $8.5 billion estimate for the tunnel option. He also maintains the finished crossing could be completed in five years.

Those findings led Doerkson to ask the province to hold off any further decisions that could tie the hands of the incoming government regarding the choice of a bridge over the tunnel.

“The premier-designate has asked that no new contracts, amendments, change orders, procurement decisions, approvals or other commitments proceed during the transition if they would commit additional funds specifically to the tunnel option, materially advance that option, or limit the choices available to the incoming government,” said the Conservatives in a news release Thursday.

“British Columbians have elected a new government with a mandate to take a hard look at major infrastructure priorities and make sure taxpayers are getting the best possible value and we believe that is a new bridge.”

The request drew a huffy response from the outgoing NDP Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth.

“This is a strange attempt by Lorne Doerkson to pin the costs of this reckless promise on anyone but himself,” said Farnworth. “He is either laying the groundwork to break his commitment or to try to blame someone else for what it will cost British Columbians.”

Friday brought a more respectful response from the government and one that was in keeping with protocol during the transition from one administration to the next.

“The province has received premier-designate Doerkson’s request regarding the George Massey Crossing and can confirm it is acting consistent with the request,” said the text released by the Conservatives. “Until the new government is sworn in, the province operates under the caretaker convention. Day-to-day government business continues and existing contracts and legal obligations are honoured, but no new decisions or commitments are made that would limit the choices of the incoming government.”

Those choices are still open, according to the statement where Doerkson provided the rationale for this week’s request to the government.