For immediate release – Monday, January 12, 2009

Surrey, BC – Concerned Lower Mainland residents from both sides of the Fraser River came together at the front gates of the Fraser Surrey Docks at 1 PM today, with banners and signs to express opposition to the controversial Gateway Project.

The protest coincided with the appearance at the Fraser Surrey Docks by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, BC Premier Gordon Campbell, BC Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon, and the Federal Minister Responsible for Gateway, Stockwell Day. The officials were scheduled to make an announcement at 2 PM regarding the controversial South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) highway component of the Gateway Project.

"Minister Falcon says Gateway is shovel-ready, but the Gateway Project really is definitely not shovel-worthy. This current Gateway plan means more big ships, big trucks and big highways throughout the region, with increased pollution, sprawl and carbon emissions impacting everyone," said Ben West, Healthy Communities Campaigner with the Wilderness Committee.

"They are making the Gateway announcement here at the Fraser Surrey docks because this project is really about more trade passing through our region than it is about reducing congestion. In fact, Gateway will actually end up causing more congestion for folks in the entire lower mainland," said concerned Surrey resident Tom Jaugelis.

"Prime Minister Harper has been internationally criticized for his foot-dragging on tackling climate change. However, Premier Campbell has gone on record expressing his concerns about stopping climate change promising to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2020, yet if he allows Gateway to proceed, climate changing emissions will increase tremendously on his watch," said West.

"Far more jobs could be created by investing in public transit and the end result would be better for all of us," added West.

For more information (including pictures and videos):
Ben West, Healthy Communities Campaigner with the Wilderness Committee 604.710.5340