VANCOUVER, B.C. — A recent study indicated that tolls are all the rage in B.C. and developers are exploring new ways of cashing in on transportation improvements.

The most recent possibility gaining some attention is the construction of a privately funded toll tunnel linking Vancouver with the North Shore.

The six-kilometre tunnel would run from Main and Terminal in Vancouver to near Capilano Road in North Vancouver. TransLink won’t be shelling out the cash, but its chairman, Doug McCallum, has thrown his support behind the venture.

“Especially if it is privately funded and paid for through tolls, a tunnel makes absolute sense,” McCallum tells local media.

The group behind the plan, TransVision, says that if they get started soon, it can be completed in time for the 2010 Olympics, should Vancouver successfully when their bid.

A recent poll shows that 77 per cent of those asked support a privately funded toll tunnel.

TransVision suggests that the total price tag of the project will range between $700 million and $1 billion and would quickly pay off as it will relieve congestion in and out of downtown Vancouver. Although TransLink won’t be paying for the project, it is possible they will be responsible for maintenance of the tunnel should it come to fruition.