Blockade down but battle just begun

Huge thanks to everyone who stopped by the Blockade this week, bringing food, music and good cheer. The house in Bridgeview is down, but the fight has just begun...here follows the official release, and more news about Gateway resistance. They may be laying down "pre-load" sand now in Bridgeview, but it will be at least two years before they can start pouring congrete...and ANYTHING can happen in two years. Our communities are beginning to rise up and support each other. Viva la resistance!

LOTS OF GREAT MEDIA:
The Province
Georgia Straight
Surrey Leader
Shaw TV (clip starts at 4 minutes)

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For immediate release
Monday March 9

Provincial Gateway Project on shaky ground –
Freeway fight escalates as North Surrey house falls  

SURREY – On Saturday morning, after a 5 day/24 hour blockade encampment, concerned citizens witnessed the demolition of the last house standing in the way of the proposed South Fraser Freeway in Surrey’s Bridgeview neighbourhood.

This working family neighbourhood is the first targeted by the Gateway, Project, forcing many residents with deep roots in the community to leave. The demolition equipment was escorted through a back entrance to the property under guard of private security hired by the Ministry of Transportation.

“This freeway is threatening to destroy communities all along the river, and outdated freeway projects like this are cooking our planet,” said Tom Jaugelis, a North Surrey resident and spokesperson for the group. “Instead of spending billions on the Gateway project, we should be investing in green jobs like the public transit that Surrey needs right now.” The Livable Region Coalition estimates that the Gateway project would increase carbon emissions from cars and trucks by 30%.

Ministry officials plan to lay pre-load sand throughout the neighbourhood so the boggy area will be suitable for paving in about three years. Although the government has spent about $100 million expropriating properties and dumping sand, the project design has not been finalized and no builder has been selected.

“Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon wants to spend billions putting a useless freeway next to our school that will cut us off from the river, beach, and our fishing dock.” Said Bernadette Keenan, who sits on the Board of the Bridgeview Community Association. “Our community has a different vision for North Surrey. This is going to be a mixed-use waterfront community, not an industrial wasteland beside a freeway.  We are continuing to fight for our community.”

Jaugelis added, “We have been getting more and more support from communities all along the proposed freeway route, people from one end to the other have been coming by with encouragement, hot chocolate and snacks. We will be there to support them when Falcon tries to trash their communities. This is just the beginning.”

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For information, photos, video or interviews contact:
Tom Jaugelis 604 588 4203
Bernadette Keenan 604 580 6115