British Columbia Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson has asked the outgoing government to hold new tunnel-specific commitments for the George Massey crossing, preserving his incoming government's option to pursue a bridge instead of the C$8.5 billion tunnel plan.
His request covers contracts, amendments, change orders, procurement decisions, approvals and other commitments that would direct additional funds to the tunnel, move it forward or narrow the next government's choices. Existing contracts and work that could serve either design could continue. In a statement, Doerkson said, “We are not asking for all work to stop.”
Early construction began in January 2026, the province said, with tree clearing, utility relocations and preparation of a casting basin. Temporary works were expected to support about 200 jobs in 2026. Major construction is anticipated to start in 2027, with completion projected for September 2031.
The province's July update set the project's budget at C$8.5 billion, saying the estimate had undergone independent validation. It cited market conditions, changes to the project scope, inflation and the delivery schedule as factors in the updated budget. Canada's federal government has committed up to C$3 billion toward the project's capital costs.
The Conservative Party of British Columbia pledged on Oct. 15 to replace the tunnel with a 10-lane bridge. The province selected an eight-lane tunnel in 2021 after considering both designs; at the time, it estimated a C$4.15 billion cost and planned for the tunnel to enter service in 2030. In 2017, the province halted procurement for an earlier 10-lane bridge while it reviewed crossing options.
The Canadian Press reported that outgoing Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth warned cancellation could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and affect hundreds of workers.
The province's July update said an environmental assessment review was expected to conclude before the end of 2026. It also anticipated selecting companies for initial work packages by early 2027.
