Latest news with #TransLink
CBC
6 hours ago
- General
- CBC
2 years behind schedule, the Pattullo Bridge replacement nears completion
Social Sharing An 80-metre gap is all that separates the main bridge deck from the north ramp of B.C.'s Pattullo Bridge replacement. High above the Fraser River, construction crews work to connect the two sides, one rebar at a time. The space may look vast, but engineer Wendy Itagawa says it's a relatively small section of the bridge's 1,200-metre length. "We're getting really close now," said Itagawa, who is the executive director of the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project. "We're installing the cables and the deck, and we'll be connecting to the north side later this summer." The project broke ground in 2020 and has faced years of delays, but Itagawa says it's on track now for its fall 2025 opening. About 450 people regularly work on the $1.673-billion infrastructure project, which will replace the aging Pattullo Bridge that connects New Westminster and Surrey. Aging Pattullo and delays Built in the 1930s, the Pattullo Bridge serves about 60,000 drivers daily. But over the past two decades, concerns over the bridge's safety and integrity have mounted. In 2016, a report presented to TransLink's board of directors showed the bridge did not meet modern wind and seismic safety standards. The report to Metro Vancouver's transit authority recommended the bridge be replaced by no later than 2024. The province greenlit a new bridge in 2018. Two years later, in 2020, a team of contractors collectively known as the Fraser Crossing Partners was awarded a $967.5-million contract to replace the bridge. Construction began that February. WATCH | 5 years in the making, Pattullo Bridge replacement nears completion: New Pattullo Bridge connecting Surrey, New Westminster nears completion 1 day ago Duration 2:55 After a lengthy construction period, the new Pattullo Bridge, connecting Surrey and New Westminster, is almost finished. This new crossing will replace the existing bridge, located just a few hundred metres away. CBC's Jon Hernandez ascended high onto the bridge deck to observe the ongoing construction. About a year into construction, the opening of the bridge was delayed from 2023 to 2024. At the time, the government attributed delays to on-site investigative work and permitting holdups due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, it was delayed until fall 2025, with officials citing inflationary pressures and global supply issues. The province also said the 167-metre bridge tower, the tallest of it's kind in B.C., took longer to build than expected. New bridge, new name The current Pattullo Bridge has four lanes of traffic. Opposing directions of traffic are divided by plastic stakes and pedestrians and cyclists share a single sidewalk crossing the bridge. Over the years, Surrey and New Westminster have been at odds over how many lanes the replacement should have, with Surrey advocating for a six-lane bridge, but New Westminster wanting to maintain four. The province says the replacement bridge will have four lanes, a decision made following community consultation and based on current road network capacity limits. However, the bridge is wide enough to be expanded into six lanes in the future. There will be dedicated walking and bike paths on both sides of the bridge, along with a centre median. And it won't share its predecessor's namesake. Itagawa says as part of the project's cultural recognition program, the bridge's new name will reflect the Fraser River's significance to local First Nations, including the Musqueam and Kwantlen nations. Indigenous artwork The project will also feature artwork from Kwantlen First Nation artist Phyllis Atkins, whose design featuring sturgeon and eulachon will be engraved on the Highway 17 overpass at Old Yale Road. The design includes replicas of sturgeon scutes, the bone plates the fish have on their backs. Atkins says she was inspired by her time studying the fish along the Fraser River. "It was life changing being right on the river in our unceded traditional territory of Kwantlen. We had sites right up and down the Fraser," said Atkins. "I got to see first-hand the perspective of the river our people used to travel and fish for thousands of years. I really felt that connection."
The Province
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Province
TransLink and Patina Brewing to release Platform Pilsner beer collaboration
The Tricities brewery and the transit authority are teaming up to release Platform Pilsner, a brew that uses all-Canadian ingredients and has a "crisp, clean taste that highlights the region's passion for craft beer and community connection." PORT COQUITLAM, B.C.: JUNE 19, 2025 - Head brewer José Rojas (right) and Sarah Harbord (left) pose inside Patina Brewing Inc. in Port Coquitlam, B.C. on June 19, 2025. TransLink and Patina have linked up to release Platform Pilsner in a limited-run partnership. Photo by Arlen Redekop / PNG TransLink's next stop? Port Coquitlam's Patina Brewing where they'll be collaborating to release a limited edition Pilsner four-pack. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Platform Pilsner is 'not a regular Pilsner, it's a Canadian Pilsner,' said Patina's head brewer José Rojas. 'The beer is 100 per cent Canadian ingredients, which was super fun for me to actually bring together ingredients from across Canada,' said Rojas, noting the beer was made from water and hops from B.C., barley from Alberta, and yeast from Quebec. 'It was really fun to put my creativity into something that can show what we do locally and when we do things intentionally,' he said at a news conference Thursday unveiling the collaboration. The can, which features a blue, dark purple and yellow label, is inspired by 'the iconic West Coast Express livery' and was created by TransLink's in-house design team. The West Coast Express stops just a 10-minute walk away from Patina Brewing. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The collaboration is very much rooted in community,' said TransLink spokesperson Anita Bathe. 'It reflects our shared values, supporting local, building connections and celebrating the region that we are all proud to be part of.' PORT COQUITLAM, B.C.: JUNE 19, 2025 – Patina Brewing and TransLink have collaborated to release Platform Pilsner. The beer uses B.C. water and hops, Alberta barley, and Quebec yeast and will be sold in a four-pack in a limited run partnership. Photo by STEPHANIE IP / PNG The launch is one way the transit authority is experimenting with new revenue streams and local partnerships, something Patina was eager to explore. 'We were super thrilled when TransLink reached out to us and started the conversation about a collab,' said Patina's operations director Sarah Harbord. 'We love doing collaborations, we love reaching out.' Harbord said the brewery, which opened in March 2020, has a history of partnering with local groups to produce limited-run beers and sharing the proceeds of sales, including fundraisers for the Port Coquitlam Pirates hockey team, the Coquitlam Adanacs lacrosse team, and the Kwikwetlem First Nation. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But revenue from the collaboration is unlikely to help TransLink overcome all of its financial woes. Since 2023, the transit authority and its Mayors Council has warned of a $600 million per year operating deficit that could hit as early as 2026, after pandemic-era emergency funding dries up. Earlier this year, the federal government promised a $663 million injection over the next decade. The TransLink joint board of directors and Mayors Council also approved an investment plan that included a multi-year $312 million bailout, and increases to fares, parking fees, and property tax. But those measures only cut the organization's structural deficit in half, and is only likely to hold off financial challenges until the end of 2027, unless a new funding model is found. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. That said, Bathe said the transit authority is hopeful the response will be positive and says TransLink is 'open to possibilities' for extending the collaboration or for similar partnerships with other local businesses. The four-pack will be sold in 16-ounce tall cans, with only 1,500 packs produced at this time. The beer will be available for sale directly from Patina and in select B.C. Liquor stores across the Lower Mainland at a price of about $18 plus tax. To reach Patina Brewing, you can take the West Coast Express into Port Coquitlam and walk or you can board the 173, 174, 159, or 160 bus routes from Coquitlam Central SkyTrain station. sip@ Read More
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
TransLink and Patina Brewing to release Platform Pilsner beer collaboration
TransLink's next stop? Port Coquitlam's Patina Brewing where they'll be collaborating to release a limited edition Pilsner four-pack. Platform Pilsner is 'not a regular Pilsner, it's a Canadian Pilsner,' said Patina's head brewer José Rojas. 'The beer is 100 per cent Canadian ingredients, which was super fun for me to actually bring together ingredients from across Canada,' said Rojas, noting the beer was made from water and hops from B.C., barley from Alberta, and yeast from Quebec. 'It was really fun to put my creativity into something that can show what we do locally and when we do things intentionally,' he said at a news conference Thursday unveiling the collaboration. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The can, which features a blue, dark purple and yellow label, is inspired by 'the iconic West Coast Express livery' and was created by TransLink's in-house design team. The West Coast Express stops just a 10-minute walk away from Patina Brewing. 'The collaboration is very much rooted in community,' said TransLink spokesperson Anita Bathe. 'It reflects our shared values, supporting local, building connections and celebrating the region that we are all proud to be part of.' The launch is one way the transit authority is experimenting with new revenue streams and local partnerships, something Patina was eager to explore. 'We were super thrilled when TransLink reached out to us and started the conversation about a collab,' said Patina's operations director Sarah Harbord. 'We love doing collaborations, we love reaching out.' Harbord said the brewery, which opened in March 2020, has a history of partnering with local groups to produce limited-run beers and sharing the proceeds of sales, including fundraisers for the Port Coquitlam Pirates hockey team, the Coquitlam Adanacs lacrosse team, and the Kwikwetlem First Nation. But revenue from the collaboration is unlikely to help TransLink overcome all of its financial woes. Since 2023, the transit authority and its Mayors Council has warned of a $600 million per year operating deficit that could hit as early as 2026, after pandemic-era emergency funding dries up. Earlier this year, the federal government promised a $663 million injection over the next decade. The TransLink joint board of directors and Mayors Council also approved an investment plan that included a multi-year $312 million bailout, and increases to fares, parking fees, and property tax. But those measures only cut the organization's structural deficit in half, and is only likely to hold off financial challenges until the end of 2027, unless a new funding model is found. That said, Bathe said the transit authority is hopeful the response will be positive and says TransLink is 'open to possibilities' for extending the collaboration or for similar partnerships with other local businesses. The four-pack will be sold in 16-ounce tall cans, with only 1,500 packs produced at this time. The beer will be available for sale directly from Patina and in select B.C. Liquor stores across the Lower Mainland at a price of about $18 plus tax. To reach Patina Brewing, you can take the West Coast Express into Port Coquitlam and walk or you can board the 173, 174, 159, or 160 bus routes from Coquitlam Central SkyTrain station. sip@
CBC
2 days ago
- General
- CBC
Small sinkhole closes stretch of Vancouver's Robson Street
A small sinkhole in downtown Vancouver has closed a short stretch of Robson Street. The City of Vancouver told CBC News crews identified the issue near the corner of Thurlow Street on Monday evening and determined the sinkhole was along an old utility trench. As of Wednesday, Robson is closed to vehicle traffic from Burrard Street to Jervis Street as crews perform repairs. Sidewalks and businesses remain open for pedestrians. TransLink said bus routes 5 and 6 have been temporarily re-routed from Burrard Street to Denman Street, instead of going through Robson. "Some trolley trips on these routes have also been replaced with diesel buses, allowing service from Denman Street to use Georgia Street and connect with Burrard Street," a spokesperson said. They said the re-routes have been in place since Monday night. The city said emergency repairs are underway, and they expect the work to be completed by the end of the week.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Thousands celebrate Pinoy Festival 2025 at Burnaby's Swangard Stadium
The Pinoy Festival at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby is in its third year. Organizers say it's "the largest Filipino cultural event in Canada." (CTV News) Thousands descended on Swangard Stadium in Burnaby Saturday for Pinoy Festival 2025, which organizers describe as 'the largest Filipino cultural event in Canada.' There are roughly 180,000 Filipino-Canadians living in the Lower Mainland, according to Antonio Matias, one of the organizers of Saturday's celebration. He said the event is held annually on the Saturday closest to June 12, which is the Philippines' Independence Day. June is Filipino Heritage Month in Canada. The theme of this year's festival was 'We Rise,' a reference to the strength and resilience of the community, particularly in the wake of the Lapu Lapu Day Festival tragedy in April, when a driver plowed into a crowd in Vancouver, killing 11 and injuring several others. 'Whatever happens, we will rise up,' Matias said. 'That's why our theme for the celebration is 'We Rise.'' A 'solidarity parade' was held in the morning to acknowledge the tragedy and to highlight cross-cultural support between immigrant communities. Filipino groups marched alongside groups representing South Asian, Latino, African and Chinese community organizations. More than 180 vendors and community booths were set up inside the stadium, along with a beer garden, live music and interactive family activities. TransLink provided a free shuttle from Patterson SkyTrain Station to the stadium. The festival is in its third year and is organized by the Pinoy Festival Alliance Society, a registered non-profit with more than 70 member organizations.
