att ites Fanearen ate, ely a May 12, 1989 News 985-2131 Classified 986-6222 Distribution 986-1337 100 pages 25¢ PROPOSED CROSSING MIGHT EASE N. SHORE TRAFFIC CONGESTION NV MLA pushes for new crossin NORTH VANCOUVER-Seymour MLA Jack Davis has again called for a new ferry crossing to Vancouver Island, which he claims will provide short-term relief to growing North Shore traffic congestion. Davis, the provincial energy 3B minister, voiced his opinion Tues- day night to represeatatives of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Task Force during a public meeting held at North Vancouver’s Larson Elementary School. “‘What you people are forgetting is that this favorite part of the world is wedged in by mountains ‘Gj and inlets,’ Davis said. ‘It’s not like planning transportation for Regina and Edmonton where you can turn 180 degrees. “Anyone wanting to go to Van- $ couver Island north of the Malahat (Highway) gocs through here to the very congested Horseshoe Bay terminal. What a new ferry termi- nal would do is take a Jot of traffic out of the North Shore.”’ New ferry terminals, which have been discussed before by the pro- vincial government, would be built close to the Vancouver airport and Gabriola Island near Nanaimo, according to Davis's proposal. Travellers, including American tourists, would save time on ferries and many would bypass downtown Vancouver and congested North Shore bridges if the new island route was implemented, Davis said. Task force chairman Mike O'Connor agreed with Davis but said the primary focus of the task force was to give the provincial government suggestions for next year’s budget concerning traffic- problem priorities in Greater Van- couver. During the meeting approxi- mately 20 people watched a slide presentation documenting local traffic congestions, which are predicted to worsen with projected population growth in the suburbs and job growth in downtown Van- couver that will put more commuters on already crowded roads. Many new and costly bridges, SkyTrain extensions and roads were shown at the meeting as possibie solutions to traffic con- gestion although specific, available funding was not mentioned. The North Shore’s most serious traffic plugs — Lions Gate Bridge, Second Narrows Bridge, and Up- per Levels Highway intersections at Westview Drive and Lonsdale Avenue —- were also discussed. By ANNA MARIE D’ANGELO Contributing Writer “How many years is the Lions Gaie Bridge going to last?’’ said Rotert Howie. ‘If you had to shut it down for any reason the options here are horrendous. The Second Narrows can’t take the traffic. A third crossing must be addressed.”” But, said O’Connor, ‘‘Everyone recognizes the ions Gate Bridge is getting on. A third crossing is not an easy issue to address.”’ He said lanes could be added to NORTH Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jack Davis ...“‘What a new ferry terminal would do is take a lot of traffic out of the North Shore.”’ North Shore bridges or another new bridge or tunnel could be built for a SkyTrain connector. Other audience members voiced concerns about increased air pollu- tion from more traffic if the third crossing was for vehicles only. ‘Cars are here to stay that is for sure,’ said North Vancouver District Ald. Ernie Crist. ‘“‘But you can kiss North Shore livability goodbye if we get a third cross- ing.”’ Implementing flex time, four- occupant car lanes and a mini-bus route from West Vancouver to Lions Gate Hospital for seniors were other ideas discussed. O’Connor said the task force, made up of GVRD, muzicipal, B.C. Transit and the ministry of transportation and highways of- ficials, would conduct seven or eight public meetings this month in Greater Vancouver.