Toll free BC!

On April 1, 1963 the Social Credit Government announced there would never be any more bridge tolls in British Columbia.  Well, we all know how that went.  I know you have to pay for bridges but the tolling of the new Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges was very unfair. There are no tolls on the new Kelowna bridge or any other new bridges in BC.  Anyone who lives south of the Fraser River and commuted into Vancouver was faced with a $1500.00 yearly bridge toll.  This hit families very hard and people who voted Liberal previously, in the last election changed their votes to the NDP.  It is the reason the Liberals lost the riding's south of the Fraser and why we have a change in government. Our MLA's didn't listen to their constituents.  We've watched commercial truck traffic avoid the Port Mann and redirect to the Pattulo Bridge, Alex Fraser Bridge and Massey Tunnel.  I'm sure these other alternative bridges will see less congestion after September 1st.

Bridge tolls were put on the Ironworkers Memorial, Lions Gate Bridges and Massey Tunnel when they were built.  I remember my dad stopping to pay the tolls at the booths before you crossed the bridge.  In those days most people lived in Vancouver/Burnaby/New Westminster and commuting wasn't done.  In 1938 when my dad was hired by the Vancouver Fire Department it was a requirement to live within the Vancouver city limits.  If there was a major fire and you were off duty, you were on call and expected to get there quickly.  My mom and dad paid $100.00 for their 33 ft lot at 45th and Boundary!   I don't think you can purchase a home in Vancouver under $2,000,000!  It's become unaffordable for most families to live within the city.

I wonder if the controversial Massey Tunnel replacement bridge will be built?