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Lower bridge tolls announced Jeff Nagel Black Press
Drivers crossing the new Port Mann Bridge will pay $1.50 a trip — half the price previously announced — as an introductory toll and the provincial government is dangling more incentives to encourage users to sign up early.
The cut rate applies for the first three months — until the end of February — but those who register for a tolling account by then will be guaranteed the half-price toll for the first year, new Transportation Minister Mary Polak announced Wednesday. And those who sign up by before Nov. 30 also get a $30 credit, equivalent to 20 free
crossings. A further 25 per discount previously promised for registered HOV users during peak hours will apply on top of the introductory rate, meaning commuters who car pool will pay $1.13 per crossing for the first year. Frequent bridge users can also opt for an unlimited pass – $75 per month in the first year for
standard vehicles that register by Feb. 28. The introductory discount is being justified on the basis that only eight of 10 lanes of the new bridge will be operational when it opens in December, as the final two can’t be used through 2013 while the old bridge is being dismantled. “The tolling framework rec-
ognizes the need for the new bridge to be affordable for families while supporting the obligations of TI Corp.,” Polak said. Drivers who register will receive a free windshield decal that acts as a transponder that’s detected by the electronic tolling system’s licence plate cameras. continued, PAGE 4
Drivers will pay $1.50 to cross the new Port Mann Bridge (right) when tolls are put into place at the beginning of December, the province announced on Wednesday. The introductory rate will last for three months but those who register for a tolling account are guaranteed half price tolls for the first year, Langley MLA and new Transporation Minister Mary Polak announced on Wednesday. file photo
Kwantlen people weigh in on Gray Pit sale Natasha JoNes Times Reporter
Opponents of Langley Township’s plan to sell Gray Pit in Glen Valley have a new ally: The Kwantlen First Nation. On Monday, Brandon Gabriel asked Mayor Jack Froese and council to “respect the goodwill that we have between our communities” and defer the proposed sale of the 25-acre forest.
'Highest Prices Paid for Gold & Silver'
Gabriel is the special projects coordinator for the Seyem’ Qwantlen Business Group, the business, lands and resources subsidiary of the Kwantlen First Nation. Gabriel asked for the sale of the land to be deferred until Chief Marilyn Gabriel, and Councillors Tumia Knott and Les Antone “have a chance to weigh in on the issue.” Gray Pit is a forested former gravel pit
that lies between 257A and 260 Streets, north of 84 Avenue (also known as Gray Road). A few blocks away lies McLellan Park which residents successfully lobbied Township council to preserve. The municipality had hoped to use the funds from the sale of the 21-acre McLellan Park to finance the purchase of the Aldergrove Elementary school site on which it plans to build a community
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centre, ice rink and swimming pool. Gray Pit forest consists of several parcels, five of which the Township has listed for sale. An appraisal earlier this summer placed the value of three five-acre lots at $625,000 each, one five-acre parcel at $645,000, and another five acres at $578,000. continued, PAGE 4
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