The second phase of public consultation on the future of one of Metro Vancouver's most important traffic conduits begins tonight in Richmond, continuing tomorrow in Surrey and in Delta on Saturday.

After the first phase of initial consultation concluded in December, the provincial government revealed five potential options for the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project.

They include to maintain the existing tunnel, replace the existing tunnel with a new bridge, replace the existing tunnel with a new tunnel, maintain the tunnel and build a "twin" bridge or tunnel along the Highway 99 corridor, or maintain the tunnel and build a new crossing in a new location. The scenarios are laid out in detail here.

The Tyee canvassed a few provincial candidates in Delta and Richmond ridings to get an early sense of what they thought about the project. Many agreed that the results of the upcoming consultations will be key in deciding which option to choose.

"I've heard a little bit about this, a little bit about that. I look forward to going to the open house tonight and seeing what the residents are saying and what kinds of things are being proposed," said Nathaniel Lim, a BC Conservative candidate in the Richmond East riding.

"I'm anxious to study what they've given us. Right now it's impossible to choose or predict," said current Delta South MLA Vicki Huntington. The independent MLA said her biggest concern is to choose an option that relieves congestion with as little impact on agricultural land as possible.

"My preference is to retain the existing tunnel, because it's still good and needs some additional maintenance upgrades, and build a second crossing that would complement the existing tunnel," she said.

Scott Hamilton, the BC Liberal candidate for Delta North, and Sylvia Bishop, the BC NDP candidate for Delta North, have been at odds regarding the project, though both said that the five options cover a broad scope that fairly reflect the wishes of the public made during the first phase of consultation.

Without favouring an option, Bishop said it will take a long time before any solution is arrived at, and that she feels the government should look at a more comprehensive regional strategy to fix transportation issues faced by residents south of the Fraser River.

She added that while the governing BC Liberals have stated their commitment to reaching a solution for the tunnel replacement project, there seems to be no funding allocated for it in the budget.

"Some people call it the bogus budget because in order for it to be balanced, they have to sell off half a million dollars worth of assets. So I question how committed they are," she said.

Hamilton said that while the tunnel replacement project hasn't been budgeted for, it's something the government will secure funds for in the future.

"We will make room -- we know what we need to do. I mean, I'll go back to the Port Mann Bridge. Ten to 12 years ago, the Port Mann Bridge wasn't in a budget. We have to start somewhere," he said.

In a March 12 press release, the BC Liberals called out NDP leader Adrian Dix for publicly opposing the government's plan for the tunnel.

"As far as I'm concerned, the BC Liberals are doing something about it. We're doing something about it, while we seem to have the NDP jumping from one foot to the next, trying to decide what their opinion is about it," Hamilton told The Tyee.

Whichever option is chosen, the project is expected to be completed in 10 to 15 years.

Carly Rhianna Smith is completing a practicum at The Tyee.