Mayors welcome federal funding for Massey Tunnel replacement but questions remain

Delta and Richmond mayors are welcoming Ottawa’s pledge of up to $3 billion toward replacing B.C.’s George Massey Tunnel, while saying concerns remain about the project’s cost, schedule and procurement. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier David Eby announced last week that the federal government will cover up to onethird of the capital cost for an eightlane crossing beneath the Fraser River. Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie said the commitment signals the project is likely to move ahead, and he expects environmental assessments to proceed in the coming months. Delta Mayor George Harvie said he is pleased with the funding but wants clearer information about the timeline and next steps. Delta city councillor Dylan Kruger urged the province to be more transparent about the total cost, saying the project could end up far above earlier estimates. The province originally put the replacement at $4.15 billion and has targeted a 2030 opening. Transit advocates also questioned whether more public transit funding should have been announced alongside the tunnel plan, saying congestion may continue on nearby routes even if the crossing itself is improved.