Old-time O l song and dance page 42
Blue Jays lose two, wo, defeat Chiefs page 35
Thursday June 28, 2012 Serving Surrey and North orth Delta www.surreyleader.com www surreyleader com
Surrey says ‘no’ to RCMP bar
$400,000 ad blitz heralds new Port Mann Bridge
Council will recommend liquor licence be denied at new Mountie HQ by Kevin Diakiw
Transportation minister defends cost to promote tolled span by Jeff Nagel THE PROVINCIAL government is spending $400,000 on an adver-
tising campaign to promote the new Port Mann Bridge. The spending comes despite repeated assurances from the province that the $3.3-billion Port Mann/Highway 1 project will be fully paid for through tolls and that there is no risk large numbers of motorists will divert to untolled crossings to avoid having to pay. “I think it is money very well spent,� B.C. Transportation Minister Blair Lekstrom said Monday of the ad blitz, which emphasizes the time savings for users. “We think it’s very important that the public is aware of the opening of the Port Mann Bridge, what to expect when it opens, when it will open – that kind of thing.� Ministry planners have projected any diversion of toll-averse drivers to free crossings will be largely offset by an influx of motorists who currently avoid the Port Mann because of congestion and are willing to pay the minimum $3 tolls for a faster trip over the new 10-lane span. Lekstrom said the province is in the final stages of putting the tolling infrastructure in place, adding more information will be coming on that in the next couple of months, in advance of the bridge opening with an initial eight lanes this December. The ministry has yet to reveal exactly what will be used and where they will be Blair Lekstrom signs placed alerting drivers to the recommended untolled route via the Pattullo Bridge and the northeast stretch of the South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR). Westbound drivers will have to exit Highway 1 at 176 Street in order to take the SFPR to the Pattullo.
“We think it’s very important that the public is aware of the opening...�
Doggone good grub
BOAZ JOSEPH / THE LEADER
Leigha Burry, 3, digs into a hot dog during North Delta Family Day at North Delta Community Park on Sunday. The event featured a parade, live entertainment, food and family activities.
SURREY HAS opposed RCMP plans for a police pub at its new headquarters in Green Timbers Urban Forest. On Monday, Surrey council considered a liquor licence application by E Division for its mess hall at the new facility. Council said it will recommend to the B.C. Liquor Control and Licensing Branch the Mounties be eligible for special events permits only, and said E Division should do away with plans for regular bar hours. The public reacted angrily and swiftly after the media, including The Leader, reported last week that the RCMP’s new $263-million headquarters in Green Timbers Urban Forest would include a fully licensed 500-seat mess hall capable of serving up to 1,200 people. Political will at the local level was lagging on Monday, and before the meeting, the proverbial writing was Dianne Watts on the wall – the RCMP would not get council support for a bar. Surrey’s mayor said she didn’t like the idea. “I don’t think anyone has an issue if you have a regimental dinner, or if you have a party for veterans or retirement,� Mayor Dianne Watts said before the council meeting. See RCMP / Page 3
See CAMPAIGN / Page 5
Editorial 6 Letters 7 Sports 35 Arts 42 ClassiďŹ eds 48
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