Ongoing recognition deserved

As the son of the late George Massey, after whom the George Massey Tunnel was named, I wish to express my thoughts regarding the naming of the new tunnel crossing to be built in 2030, that will replace the George Massey that was built in 1959.

The whole idea that the Ladner ferry crossing should be replaced by a tunnel over a bridge was promoted and proven to be the right decision by my father from the day he arrived in Ladner with his family in 1936, until it was built in 1959.

He personally by phone at a cost of some $60 contacted Christiani & Nielson Corporation, who had built the Rotterdam Masstunnel, and asked if they thought it would be possible for them to come to Ladner and determine if a tunnel could be built at this location. After determining that this was a legitimate and serious request, they agreed and came over and filed an engineering report that justified that a tunnel should and could be built in that location instead of a bridge, due to environmental and foundation conditions.

My father went on from there, gathering up more proof and research and public support, until finally, after more than 20 years, he was able to convince the political powers that a tunnel should be built to replace the ferry.

Once again, today it has been proven and decided that another tunnel should be built instead of a bridge for those very same reasons.

The whole principle decision that a tunnel was the best solution over a bridge was determined by my father, George Massey, through his research and determination.

One would hope that this effort by my father would justify the continuation of his name on the new tunnel crossing to be built by 2030.