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Main Street bridge comes with long-term liabilty

Bridge replacement option including second Main Street bridge raises concerns for writer.
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Mayor Terry Rysz and members of council:

I, along with many others from Sicamous and area, attended the recent information session put on by the Ministry of Transportation regarding the replacement of the RW Bruhn Bridge.

The session seemed to be well attended and was very informative. I was also pleased with the number of ministry staffers present and their general knowledge about the project.

The three options presented were seemingly quite well thought out, and the advantages and disadvantages were given.

Of the three options presented, to my mind there was one option that I would not consider after reading the supporting statements. That was Option 3, whereby it was categorically stated the future maintenance and eventual replacement of the Main Street bridge would be soley the responsibility of the District of Sicamous.

While there may be some advantages to this bridge, especially to the residents of the West Side and those in the regional district, the eventual maintenance and replacement of the bridge far outweighs any benefits.

Option 2 does provide safe access to and from the Trans-Canada Highway, and also does bring people into downtown Sicamous, something which apparently is very important to council.

Option 2 does also allow for a pedestrian walkway and cycle path for persons who may be using the hoped for “rail trail.”

I do have some other serious misgivings about Option 3, but I think the financial liability that it would place on the District of Sicamous is enough for council to not endorse it.

I would therefore urge council to not endorse this Option 3, and instead support Option 2 or some form that is close to it.

 

Fred Busch