FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Transportation Minister, Judith Reid, is going on tour around the province to tout the B.C. government’s plans to toll highways.

The campaign began Wednesday, with Reid travelling to Fort St. John, where she will try to rally support for the government’s new policy.

“We have a large need for transportation infrastructure in B.C. If the government did the work in the normal course of events, it would be many years before we would be able to complete that work,” says Reid. “We have to find projects with a clear-cut benefit combined with a reasonable toll.”

A recent discussion paper released by the province indicates private partnerships are needed to raise up to $10 billion for new projects over the next 10 years.

With talk of possible tolls being added to the Sea-to-Sky Hwy., Squamish Mayor Corinne Lonsdale has voiced her disapproval, noting there are already many challenges facing residents of the mountain community.

“A lot of people who face these issues do not have money to pay tolls,” she tells local media. She adds an alternative route should be built, and tolls could be charged to drivers who opt for that route.

Reid says all options are still being considered and the public is free to have its voice heard until Sept. 12.