2 -- Friday, Auaust 22, 1997 — North Shore News WV politicians veer on Lions Gate Bridges By lan Noble News Reporter san@nsnews.com WEST Vancouver Mayor Pat Boname’s sudden about-face on the Lions Gate Bridge has a few of her coun- cil colleagues scratch- ing their heads. On Wednesday, Boname cocooned with other North Shore mavors and Greater Vancouver Regional District chairman George Puil. She emerged supporting a three-lane Lions Gate Bridge without tolls, a position that was earlier advocated by the District of North Vancouver and gained wider acceptance with Wednesday's meeting. Previously, West Vancouver's stated preference called for four lanes and no tolls. Even though Boname has switched lanes, West Vancouver Coun, Russ Fraser remains committed to four lanes and no tolls. “The mayor has changed her mind,” he said. “I have no reason to change my mind.” “The mayors have caved in too easily to the government saying I’m only going to give you $70 million,” he added. “I believe four lanes and no tolls is possible, and I believe we should pursue it.” Coun, Allan Williams said he doesn’t know why Boname changed her mind. He- said West Vancouver council dis- cussed the issue twice and on both times decided on four lanes with no tolls. A three-lane bridge with one reversible lane is danger- ous and does not allow ade- quate access for cmergency vehicles, he said. Williams said == West Vancouver council does not mect again until Sept. 8. He’s not sure how council can express an opinion until then. “I think that the local municipal leaders are not doing the citizens a good turn with this constanz shifting of Positions and if there’s any confusion in the general pub- lic’s mind about what the heli’s going on, it’s not sur- prising. “It’s time that someone said to the Ministry of Transportation and Highways you make the decision.” Boname agreed her deci- sion to support the three- lane, no-toll concept was a big switch. But she said the four-lane Bridge and tunneling through ley Park as envisioned by the provincial government provides little improvement. “I'm willing to give up the one lance to get on with fixing the deck, no tunnel through Stanley Park and widen the lanes ... and cantilever the pedestrian bicycle stuff out over the side,” she said. 1323 Marine Drive North Vancouver B.C. “The ideal is to have a ber- ter crossing burt we're nor going to get it with this round of negotiations. So rather than do something totally stupid, we should just make the best of the bridge we have and the access we Great have and continue planning and try to come up with something, better,” she said. By agreeing to go with three lanes and present a unit- ed front, there’s no reason not to go ahead with the upgrade now, she said. But Boone said Thursday that the newly united front is a firtle fate. In July, she asked the municipalities and other stakeholders for their posi- tions. She said she told the municipal representatives, ‘Goliath core-TeX Sale p 200 Selected Jackets | outbound Glacier ‘ Our most popular f:| book/day pack is half price! | Lifetime guarantee! 290.9070! Contour “Woodhouse"Parka including Boname, that four lanes without rolling is not possible. The three North Shore municipalities all gave differ- ent answers or, in the case of North Vancouver City, no answer. She said the only consis tent message she’s heard is 4 call for four lanes. Boone said most bridges in the Lower Mainland (Lionsiq Gate, Queensborough, Oak See Bridge page 14 ee ee 1/2 Price! % —_ Hi-Tec Sawtooth/ Unbeatable value for a light hiking / trail boot | art at Pade Sun Sized 0%. Almost every plair of Sungiasses Contour Oxbow Fleece Jacket Made in Canada Oxbow Fleece Vest Sleeping Bag Satel 8 models Savings to 50%! Ibs Holofil 0°C ae BOS | SP AERTS tia Ba wen Outbound “Clip Hercules 1!" Ultra light 2 p. square dome. Bestest value of the year! Lifetime guarantee! eg. Easton sent Outdoor strongly onjects to NEWS Sublisher Peter Speck’ s actions of printing and distributing the columns of Doug Collins whenever the message i clearly hatred, bigotry or intoierance. Blow Out Sale! We are overstocked with our _Inventory top quality Ultra Foam, a full 3 pound density for up to 20 years of life. 25% OFF while they last. Don’t miss out. & Norgate Pi. (near Canadian Tire) + Tel: 980-8813 from as low as $45 Camping foam | Guests arriving Twin size "ROTA. 4" ONLY $49 &, $74 ROLY A SALE WORTH LOOKING INTO, BUT DON'T WAIT, ‘CAUSE WHEN IT’S OVER, ITS OVER!