Should Tolls Fund a New Peace River Bridge Near La Crete?

Official title: Highway 697 bridge financing engagement

Closed Policy & Studies Finance & Consumer Transportation
Alberta asked whether road user fees (tolls) should fund a $200 million bridge over the Peace River near La Crete. Right now, residents rely on a seasonal ferry and winter ice road that's closed 30% of the year. Wait times can hit 3 hours during busy periods. The consultation is now complete, and the government has moved forward with legislation enabling toll-financed highway projects.

Why This Matters

Live in northwestern Alberta? This bridge could end 3-hour ferry waits and year-round crossing closures. Farmers, truckers, and businesses in the region would get reliable access. But it also sets a precedent—tolls could fund future Alberta highway projects.

What Could Change

Bill 43 was introduced in November 2020, allowing Alberta to collect tolls for new highway construction. Once proclaimed, planning and design work can begin on the Highway 697 bridge. This marks Alberta's first toll-financed highway project.

Key Issues

  • Should road user fees (tolls) be used to finance the $200 million bridge?
  • What are the impacts and opportunities of toll financing for this region?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. Stakeholder engagement sessions were held in La Crete and High Level in August 2020.

What Happened

Stakeholder engagement sessions in La Crete and High Level showed strong support for financing the bridge using road user fees. Bill 43, the Financing Alberta's Strategic Transportation Act, was introduced on November 3, 2020 to enable toll collection for new highway projects. Planning and design work can begin once the bill is proclaimed.