When New Westminster politicians decided they would take their case for a four-lane tolled Pattullo Bridge to their neighbours, we’re not sure what they were expecting – but it probably wasn’t what they received.
During the last couple of months, city councillors went on a “charm offensive,” visiting Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Burnaby, Coquitlam and Surrey city councils, ostensibly looking for support for their recommendation for the Pattullo Bridge. While no one refused to listen to them, Port Coquitlam mayor Greg Moore said: “I would never go to another community to advocate on our position. I understand why they’re doing it, but it’s not normal.”
Coquitlam seemed to like a six-lane bridge – and might even like it closer to their municipality. Port Moody received New West’s recommendation, but their mayor, Mike Clay, called the request “odd.” However, three of their city councillors agreed with New West’s view on the bridge. Burnaby had mixed feelings but actually leaned towards getting rid of the bridge entirely.
And one can guess what Surrey thought of the plan. Councillor Jonathan Cote must have picked the short straw, because he was the guy who had the job of visiting Surrey council. When asked why New West created the position paper outside of discussions with TransLink and Surrey and why the Royal City embarked on a tour to share it with other municipalities, Cote said: “It wasn’t about pulling a fast one on the City of Surrey. It was more about trying to develop an understanding of the issue as best we could.”
If the city was hoping for more understanding, it may have achieved part of that goal – but it certainly didn’t gain support. In fact, it seemed to rub a couple of our neighbours the wrong way.
However, it may have given city councillors some empathy for those who appear before New West council, hat in hand, hoping for their own understanding on heartfelt issues.
