WEST VANCOUVER, B.C. — After meeting with local residents opposed to B.C. Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay expansion project, Transportation Minister Judith Reid has asked the corporation to “slowdown.”

While she recognizes that traffic backups on the Upper Level highway are a cause for concern, Reid says the project should not go ahead without proper consultation.

Meanwhile, an advisory committee will be set up to identify residents’ concerns and look for solutions. Contracts signed by the previous provincial government will be honored, however, vows the new minister.

“Residents deserve a fair hearing and should have an opportunity for input into the work being done at Horseshoe Bay. In all, $20 million worth of contracts have been awarded, and, as we’ve said in the past, contracts should be honored. However, the project is still in the stage where suggestions from residents can make a difference,” says Reid.

“After careful consideration, and my review of the project, I believe we can provide safety for the travelling public and be a much better neighbor to the residents of West Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay. Therefore, I have instructed B.C. Ferries to slow down the project. I want to ensure that measures proposed by residents for mitigation have every opportunity for being implemented.”