Pattullo Bridge will close from May 16 to 20 for construction. Drivers should plan alternate routes. Cyclists and pedestrians remain unaffected.

Pattullo Bridge to Shut Down Over May Long Weekend

Motorists planning to travel over the May long weekend should brace for major delays as the Pattullo Bridge is scheduled for a full closure, impacting one of the region’s most vital crossings.

Closure Timeline and Details

According to Fraser Crossing Partners, the bridge will be closed to all vehicle traffic starting Friday, May 16 at 9 p.m., and will reopen on Tuesday, May 20 at 5 a.m.

The round-the-clock construction will involve excavation across roadways and use of heavy equipment on bridge lanes, making the structure impassable for vehicles during this period.

Alternate Routes and Public Transit Changes

Drivers are urged to use alternative crossings, including the Port Mann and Alex Fraser bridges. Public transit users should also plan ahead — the N19 night bus will be rerouted, with an expected 30-minute increase in travel time.

Importantly, cyclist and pedestrian access will remain open, providing an option for non-motorists.

Local Impact and Noise Advisory

Construction activities will continue 24/7 during the closure, and residents near the bridge can expect increased noise levels throughout the weekend. The contractor has advised that every effort will be made to minimize disruptions.

What’s Next for Pattullo Bridge?

The full closure is part of the ongoing project to replace the existing Pattullo Bridge with a modern, four-lane structure, slated to open later this year. Once the new bridge is operational, the current structure will be dismantled.

The total cost of the replacement project is pegged at $1.637 billion.

Stay Informed with Maple News Wire

Planning a smooth commute means staying ahead of updates. Follow Maple News Wire for more local traffic alerts, infrastructure news, and real-time updates throughout the long weekend and beyond.

Stay tuned to Maple News.

Kevin Vallely’s 500-km Arctic expedition reveals the wild beauty and danger of Canada’s remote north. Wolves, frostbite, and awe in the land of extremes.

“It felt like stepping onto another planet,” says Kevin Vallely, describing Canada’s Ellesmere Island — a place so remote and untraveled, it might as well be Mars.

At 60, the North Vancouver-based architect and seasoned adventurer completed one of his most ambitious expeditions yet: skiing 500 kilometres across the icy terrain of Ellesmere, one of Canada’s northernmost and least-known territories.

A Dream Forged in Ice and Determination

Vallely, a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, is no stranger to extremes. He’s journeyed through the South Pole and Siberia, but the call of the Arctic remained strong.

“You can’t go any further north than the tip of Ellesmere. Beyond that, it’s just sea ice and the North Pole,” he shared.

After an initial failed attempt, he and endurance athlete Ray Zahab launched a second effort in March, aiming to traverse the island from a remote weather station to its only settlement, Grise Fiord.

The Hunt for the ‘Ghosts of the Arctic’

Their goal wasn’t just survival — it was wildlife.

“There are only about 200 Arctic wolves on Ellesmere. We wanted to find them in their natural habitat,” Vallely said.

The elusive creatures, nicknamed the “ghosts of the Arctic,” didn’t disappoint. Over 28 days, dozens of wolves approached their camps. Vallely vividly recalls a moment when a single wolf took down an 800-pound muskox alone — a chilling reminder of nature’s raw power.

Life in Minus 70: Every Second Matters

Each day brought brutal challenges. The duo skied eight hours daily, hauling sleds with essential supplies. Wind chills plummeted to -70°C.

“You hear about frostbite in minutes. There, it’s seconds,” Vallely emphasized. “You’re always alert. Always layered. Always moving.”

Even polar bear tracks nearby kept them on edge — a haunting presence, even if not seen.

Arrival in Grise Fiord: Awe at the Edge of the World

Reaching the village of Grise Fiord (population: 140) wasn’t just a physical relief — it was deeply emotional.

“You just feel this well of emotion. You’ve arrived. And you’ve overcome so much to get there,” Vallely said.

Standing in the immensity of the Arctic, he was struck by its scale and silence — and by how little most Canadians know of it.

Why Canadians Should Head North

Vallely hopes his story encourages others to explore Canada’s Arctic — responsibly and with curiosity.

“There’s immense value in our North — culturally, environmentally, geopolitically,” he said. “You don’t need to be extreme. Just go a little beyond your comfort zone and look north.”

Final Thought

For Kevin Vallely, Ellesmere Island wasn’t just another expedition. It was a stark, stunning reminder of Canada’s untamed northern soul — vast, wild, and profoundly humbling.

B.C. independent MLAs deny racism accusations in the ongoing clash with First Nations groups over sovereignty and political statements made in the legislature.

A conflict in British Columbia’s legislature, which initially centered on political differences, has spiraled into a highly charged debate involving allegations of racism. Independent Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in B.C. have found themselves under intense scrutiny after comments they made regarding First Nations sovereignty.

The Roots of the Dispute: Comments Spark Controversy

The controversy erupted on May 1, when MLA Dallas Brodie made a speech in the legislature condemning what he referred to as threats to B.C.’s unity. These threats included political interference by foreign powers and the fragmentation of the province due to the assertion of sovereignty by over 200 First Nations. He also targeted environmental groups, accusing them of being influenced by U.S. interests.

This speech quickly provoked a strong response from Premier David Eby, who accused Brodie of engaging in “incoherent and consistently racist posturing” against Indigenous peoples. Eby emphasized the legitimacy of Indigenous rights and sovereignty in the province, further intensifying the clash.

The Penticton Indian Band’s Response

In an open letter, the Penticton Indian Band expressed “deep outrage” at the comments made by Brodie and his fellow independent MLAs, Tara Armstrong and Jordan Kealy. The band argued that the statements not only disregarded Indigenous rights but also contributed to a broader climate of systemic racism by suggesting that Indigenous governance was incompatible with the public good. The band’s letter called for the resignation of the independent MLAs, accusing them of spreading divisive and racist rhetoric.

The Independent MLAs Stand Their Ground

Despite the backlash, the MLAs have refused to retract their statements. Armstrong and Brodie issued their own letter in response, accusing the Penticton Band of misrepresenting their stance and labeling the reconciliation efforts in the province as part of a “disastrous” industry. They argued that B.C. cannot accommodate over 200 separate sovereignties, drawing parallels to how municipal governments operate without causing major controversy.

In interviews, Armstrong and Brodie denied any racist intent, maintaining that their comments were intended to promote equality and prevent divisions based on race. Armstrong claimed they are fighting for equal opportunities for all British Columbians and that they do not want to divide people along racial lines. Brodie echoed this sentiment, insisting their goal was to move away from policies rooted in racial differences.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip Supports the Penticton Band

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, a prominent Indigenous leader, voiced strong support for the Penticton Indian Band’s stance and condemned the independent MLAs’ response. He argued that their remarks were not only devoid of factual basis but also perpetuated discriminatory and racialized attacks on Indigenous peoples. Phillip pointed out that all B.C. MLAs had voted in favor of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2019 and that the public’s awareness and support for residential school survivors had been growing. He characterized the comments made by Brodie as counterproductive, destructive, and divisive.

A Growing Divide on Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty

This ongoing dispute highlights the tension between the B.C. government and independent MLAs regarding Indigenous sovereignty and governance. As both sides continue to clash, the debate raises larger questions about how to balance the rights of Indigenous peoples with the broader political landscape in Canada. The accusations of racism and the opposing views on Indigenous sovereignty reflect deep-rooted divisions that continue to challenge efforts towards reconciliation in the country.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for continued updates on this developing story and its impact on B.C.’s political landscape.