A new bik bike for B Brayden ra page 5
Surrey Storm second cond at nationals page 16
Tuesday August 21, 2012 012 Serving Surrey and North Delta www.surreyleader.com
Minister hints at lower Port Mann toll
Toddler dies in nine-storey plunge Two-and-a-halfyear-old girl falls from Whalley apartment balcony
Blair Lekstrom ‘optimistic’ fee could be less than $3 per crossing – at least for the first year
by Kevin Diakiw A SURREY toddler plunged to her
by Tom Fletcher AS THE Port Mann bridge replacement nears completion,
Transportation Minister Blair Lekstrom says he is “optimistic” that the toll can be lowered below $3 per crossing, at least for the first year. Lekstrom said in an interview this week that his discussions with the corporation set up to build the 10-lane bridge indicate it may be possible to reduce the toll rate by extending the debt repayment period. When the project was announced, a $3 toll was calculated to pay the bridge off over 40 years. Lekstrom said he has heard from many people who consider that toll too high, especially since the bridge will function with only eight lanes for the first year. The old bridge must be taken down before the last two lanes can be connected to Highway 1. Blair Lekstrom So would a toonie get you across during the first year? Lekstrom wouldn’t give specific number until the entire tolling framework is released, which is expected to be in early September. There will be a second round of ministry advertising at that time, to explain the rates and payment options that will take effect when the bridge opens in December.
BOAZ JOSEPH / THE LEADER
Maintaining the healing machines Biomedical Engineering Supervisor Dave Gilbert is responsible for more than 7,000 individual pieces of electronic medical equipment at Surrey Memorial Hospital. In the fourth instalment of a Leader special series on the ‘hidden’ side of health care, learn about the machines that are themselves the patients – on page 3.
death Thursday night after falling from the balcony of a ninth-floor apartment. Surrey RCMP received multiple 911 calls about 8 p.m. Aug. 16 when the girl fell, one from a woman who thought she saw someone jump or fall from the ninth floor of an apartment building at 13353 108 Ave. The little girl apparently left the room where she was watching TV, climbed on a chair on the balcony, and fell over the railing. Her mother, stepfather and brother were in a different room at the time. Surrey RCMP Sgt. Drew Grainger called the incident “tragic” and noted with the hot weather, more people are keeping their Drew Grainger windows and patio doors open. “These (things) are completely preventable and they’re predictable,” said Grainger. “We see it every time this time of year, where children fall from heights,
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FREE CURLING SEPT. 15
th
For details go to deltathistle.ca or call our office 604-594-2323 Learn To Curl Lessons • September 10th & 11th • 7-9pm North Delta Recreation Centre – 11415 - 84th Avenue • 604-594-2323
Save time, save money.
40th Anniversary Celebration Party Fri. Sept 14, 2012
Dance to follow league curling upstairs in lounge to the live sounds of ‘LIQUID COURAGE”