Bridge debate re-sparked

A hot topic in Prince Albert, continues to simmer.

The NDP say the wildfire situation highlights the need for a second bridge in Prince Albert and serves as a good example as to why one bridge is just not good enough. 

During the evacuation effort, the Diefenbaker Bridge became a portal for many northern residents travelling south. The bridge was also used by the military as the big trucks headed up north.

Prince Albert Carlton MLA candidate Shayne Lazarowich said we (people in Prince Albert and northern Saskatchewan) were lucky the bridge was in good working order, and there were no restrictions.

“Just a great example how important that bridge is for us here in Prince Albert,” said Lazarowich. “But also for the entire north and whole province.”

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“I have heard from several people as they watch heavy traffic going across the bridge buses, personal vehicles, armed forces and they realize that we are pretty lucky that the only bridge we have is up and fully open.”

Prince Albert’s Sask Party MLA is taking exception to Lazarowich’s comments.

“I don’t like the way the NDP is trying to politicize this issue,” said Prince Albert Northcote MLA Victoria Jurgens.

 She said the government took action in 2011 to repair the bridge and continues to maintain it.

“To date what we have spent is ten times what the NDP did in their last two terms of government,” said Jurgens

In August, 2014, Premier Brad Wall, came to Prince Albert and announced that the government would commit to a second bridge under a p3 partnership with the city and the Federal Government.

The federal government has made a similar promise.  All that remains is a commitment from the city.

 “We know how important that second bridge is so that’s why the premier made it abundantly clear by coming here himself to make that formal partnership with our counterparts,” said Jurgens.

In a news release, Lazarowich said he also strongly disagreed with a government report that said there was no need at this time for a second bridge. 

Jurgens defends the report.

“I’ve stood by that report from day one,” she said, adding that the report was based on input from the city of Prince Albert as well as the provincial government.

Moving forward, Jurgens said she agrees that the bridge is an important issue for Prince Albert, and one that could very well be an election issue.

“The bridge does come up from time to time and that’s why we made that commitment to get that second bridge built.”

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne has declined comment on the NDP’s comments.  Dionne said he was not prepared to comment on something based on speculation.

The City of Prince Albert is hosting a second bridge conference this fall. 

news@panow.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow