The La Crete Ferry could soon be replaced with a toll bridge (Photo: La Crete Chamber of Commerce / Facebook)

By Shaun Penner

FAST ACT

New legislation could see toll bridge replace La Crete Ferry

Nov 3, 2020 | 5:04 PM

The Alberta government has introduced legislation to bring in toll roads and bridges, but just for new projects.

Transportation Minister Ric McIver says the bill explicitly prohibits user fees on existing roads and bridges, through the Financing Alberta’s Strategic Transportation (FAST) Act.

But he says Alberta is facing a severe financial crunch and needs to find creative ways to finance critical infrastructure.

“By building new roads and bridges now, user-financed construction will strengthen economic growth and competitiveness at a time when Albertans need it most.,” said McIver. “The FAST Act will add to government-funded infrastructure, meaning faster commutes and less congestion while unleashing economic potential through speeding up commerce.

He notes tolls are accepted financing methods in other jurisdictions, such as the Coquihalla Highway in British Columbia and Highway 407 in Ontario.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

He says under the bill, toll projects can only go ahead if there remains a no-toll option for those who don’t want to pay.

“Those Albertans who do not wish to pay user fees will still have toll-free alternatives. If you do not wish to pay a toll in Alberta, you will not have to pay a toll. Period.”

The first project proposed under this legislation is a $200-million Highway 697 bridge over the Peace River, which would replace the La Crete (Tompkins) Ferry.

McIver says long wait times and the unreliability of the ferry due to fluctuating river levels have led both Mackenzie County officials and the La Crete Chamber of Commerce to advocate for the project.

“The Government of Alberta has worked collaboratively with our community and industry to advance our request for user fees to help offset the costs of an all-season Highway 697 bridge,” said Josh Knelsen, the Reeve of Mackenzie County. “Access to a permanent crossing would reduce wait times and increase the productivity of our agricultural and trucking industries.”

Currently, the only route to avoid the ferry is to travel north to High Level before heading south, adding about two hours to the commute.

That route would also act as a non-toll route option, according to McIver.

“The La Crete Chamber of Commerce supports a collaborative approach by way of user fees being applied to fund the bridge.,” said Andrew Friesen, president of the La Crete Chamber of Commerce. “We are more than confident this will be a significant win for industry, residents, and the province.”

(With files from the Canadian Press)