If the City of Vancouver brings down the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts, B.C. taxpayers could be asked to chip in to clean up the contaminated soil.
Mayor Gregor Robertson says while his city chooses whether the viaducts come down or not, the land underneath is under provincial control.
"The contaminated soil that's in the area underneath the viaducts is the province's jurisdiction. There does need to be some negotiating with regards to moving or exposing that soil, and we're dealing with the province on that."
The final decision on whether to remove the viaducts isn't expected for a couple of years.
In June, city council unanimously approved the final planning phase that could lead to an eventual demolition.