Letter to the editor:
I am writing because I feel so strongly that a bridge on Main Street of Sicamous would be a big mistake.
I therefore understand I should put forth what I believe to be a better idea.
I would like to propose to council that we let MOTI (Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure) build whichever of the first two bridge options we were shown (to replace the Bruhn Bridge), or even perhaps something they have not shown, because we know they know their business. It has been proven, even between here and Golden, where extreme construction projects have been accomplished and would make this Bruhn Bridge replacement look like child’s play. We also know they will make a quick, safe entrance/exit to Old Spallumcheen Road (OSR). This would allow council to continue with the facelift of town and, perhaps, each year put a little money aside so if it ever becomes necessary, the money would be there to build a pedestrian/cycling bridge – maybe even in an area other than Main Street. This would prevent any irreversible mistake that would leave only one way on or off OSR until the provincial/federal governments decide to rebuild Hwy. 1 in 60 to 70 years from now. Who knows, maybe Sicamous will find a bridge on Main Street to be very inconvenient, and then how is that rectified?
Actually, there are a lot of advantages to MOTI building the bridge on the highway. After all, we pay provincial/federal taxes to supply us with good highways, roads and bridges, and district taxes for upgrading streets, lighting, sewer and water lines, and maybe even paying off loans so our water and sewer won’t be costing extra.
Other benefits of not having a bridge on Main Street are:
• It would allow people living on the west side, whom you want connected to the community, but not be prisoners to this community, to come easily into town or go west without having to go through Main Street, around the roundabout and to then Hwy. 1.
• Eliminating the concerns about Main Street infrastructure when heavy equipment and trucks carrying things like sand, gravel, concete, etc. are pounding the streets when Hyde Mountain begin building, or when OSR is rebuilt, or even when the rail trail is built.
• Eliminating safety concerns for pedestrians going to and from the beach and park, or seniors walking to the library or other facilities and our Eagle River School students accessing the school.
• Special events could still be held on Main Street.
• And we have already paid for a lovely dock at the end of Main Street which can only enhance further plans for the town beautification project.
Esther DeGraw