On Tuesday, December 22, Ross Crockford will be delivering the 5000 signatures we have collected to-date to City Hall. If you would like to help with the delivery, join us at the Bridge Petition Office (A-777 Blanshard St at Fairfield) by 12:30. Ross has arranged to hand over the gift wrapped petitions at 1:00 pm.(with press on hand . . .) and would love to be accompanied on the walk over by as many volunteers as have the time. Have you got a Christmas hat to wear??Thank you to everyone who made it to our office party on Sunday evening. The excitement was palpable as Ross announced the numbers to date, and we all started silently calculating how many we still needed to bring in. Though we can't relax for a moment, we are getting close. It really can be done!Yes, Virginia. There really is a Santa Claus.Looking forward to the days ahead,AnneAnne Russo
Blue Bridge Volunteer Coordinator
250-704-9120 or 250-590-4809
777A Blanshard Street , Victoria
The 6300 signatures may be achievable.
Personally, I think a new bridge is a preferable choice. The Blue Bridge is neither picturesque, nor functional and won't last as long as a new one.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I totally support this petition process. It seems that politicians at every level promptly vote themselves pay raises when they are elected, then spend the rest of their terms steamrolling over their constituents. It's got to stop.
They have my total support in their efforts.
Mike Laplante
I agree with Mike (above) that a new bridge is the best choice. But since the towns appear to be willing to let Victoria pay for it, I think a new bridge should have a toll on it. And while the city is at it put a toll on the Bay Street bridge so cars can't sneak into the city that way.
ReplyDeleteVictoria residents would get to cross the bridge(s) free. And there'd be no need to set up toll booths if there was a system like the ones on some Ontario highways where an electronic device in your car emits a signal that indicates whether you've pre-paid or not. Everyone else gets their licence plate read and a bill appears in the mail.
Harold
I think Harold's suggestion is a good one. Some people have complained that the region should be chipping in to help pay for the bridge. However, my response is that the region should have some say on whether the bridge should be at the top of the regional wish list. A handful of Victoria councilors forcing a region to pay -- without a say -- for their pet project is just not on.
ReplyDeleteI suspect an overpass at Mackenzie / #1 would get a higher vote as the thing most communters want first.
However, the toll concept is a suitable compromise.
Mike Laplante
Beware of the aesthetic argument. In the 1950s and 60s, much of old Victoria, from the Empress Hotel, to much of James Bay was considered outdated, obsolete and in need of "urban renewal".
ReplyDelete