November 9th, 2023, Delta, BC | The Delta Chamber of Commerce appreciates the government’s decision to adjust the repair schedule for the Highway 17A overpass, acknowledging the concerns of the Delta business community.
We concur that the Highway 17A overpass repairs are crucial and demand swift action. However, timing is critical. Initiating extensive repairs now, leading to highway closures and detours via the already congested George Massey Tunnel, is ill-timed without a robust communication plan and alternative transportation methods in place.
The choices made about transport infrastructure, especially at crucial points like the George Massey Tunnel intersection with Highways 99 and 17A, deeply affect local businesses and the thousands of workers commuting daily. These decisions are not just about traffic; they're about people's livelihoods.
Today’s decision by the Ministry of Transportation, to reschedule the planned repairs of the overpass, allows for further engagement with the City of Delta, Translink, the business community and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the anticipated challenging yet necessary repairs. The Delta Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continuing this engagement and finding solutions which minimizes the impacts to businesses. This decision further provides businesses with the opportunity to succeed during a critical time of the calendar year as they complete Q4 and prepare for the impending CEBA repayment deadline of January 18, 2024.
As home to the province's largest industrial parks, Canada's largest container terminal, an international airport, and a key ferry terminal, Delta plays an indispensable role in our province – and our nation's commerce and transport.
Rosanne Horner, Board Chair, Delta Chamber of Commerce:
“The Delta Chamber of Commerce appreciates the government’s timely decision today to adjust the repair schedule for the Highway 17A overpass. By acknowledging the concerns of the Delta business community, government has helped our local businesses as we approach a busy holiday season. The postponed repairs will allow time to develop a coordinated communication strategy, which will ideally include additional public transportation options. Finally, the Delta Chamber of Commerce appreciates the work of all the elected officials to address this matter and we look forward to continuing to collaborate on solutions.”
The Delta Chamber of Commerce is a member-based organization of businesses and professional people in the federal electoral district of Delta (City of Delta and Tsawwassen First Nation) which has served to promote its members’ collective commercial interests since 1910. As The Voice of Business in Delta, the Chamber works as a trusted convener and connector to build a thriving local economy through fostering economic development and influencing public policy at all levels of government - all to ensure healthy and prosperous businesses and communities.