Minister John Baird to Announce Federal Funding for Johnson Street Bridge

Funding Announcement
Saturday October 24th
10AM at Victoria City Hall

Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, John Baird, with Mayor Dean Fortin, will announce tomorrow Federal funding for the Johnson Street Bridge project. While the fact the City of Victoria has been in continuing discussions with the Province of BC, the Federal Government and, most recently, the CRD (Capital Regional District) was known, the timing of this announcement is a surprise. The news was reported earlier today on CFAX radio news – and by Vibrant Victoria.

On September 24th City Council was informed its request for 2/3rds combined Federal/Provincial funding for the estimated $63 Million bridge replacement program was denied. Since then it appears that council has been looking at other options – including revisiting refurbishment of the current Blue Bridge, extending the timeline beyond March 2011 for any form of construction, and the possibility of losing the rail portion to save on costs. We have been under the assumption those are still being considered – in fact Mayor Dean Fortin and city staff presented to the CRD Parks Commission this week in order to convince neighbouring municipalities to assist in funding.

There are a number of vital questions that must be answered by Minister Baird, the Mayor and Council in regards to this funding – some of which we expect will be covered at tomorrow’s announcement, but others which are vital to the future of the bridge.

• From which Federal fund is this money coming from? If it is the Infrastructure Economic Stimulus Fund why is the Province of BC not involved? Is this money only for the bridge – or can it be used for other vital infrastructure projects (like the Crystal Pool or sidewalks)?
• Can this money be used for refurbishment of the Johnson Street Bridge, or is it only for the replacement option?
• Has every member of City Council been informed of this funding process? If so, why is it, up to this week, councillors we contacted were still seeking answers to the questions and proposals in our Letter, as well as their own concerns?
• What percentage of estimated costs will be covered by the Federal Government – and are there any constraints (such as using only Canadian material and contractors)?
• Are there time constraints: as in the original stimulus funds the City of Victoria applied for (and were denied). If this has project completion deadlines is it March 2011? Do the Federal officials believe the project can be completed within deadlines when BC Minister Shirley Bond and Conservative MP Gary Lunn both agreed the proposed replacement project could not be “substantially completed in time”
• To Mayor Dean Fortin and Council – what is the status of the $63 Million borrowing bylaw? Is that still required – will there be a new borrowing plan/bylaw, what is the expected impact on taxpayers – and will there be a referendum?

As this announcement was only released today there has been little time for media, us and others to consider the implications. We are not even sure if this will be a Press Conference, or simply Minister Baird handing a ‘cheque’ to Mayor Dean Fortin as a photo opportunity.

We hope all local and regional media have been informed and will attend – to ask the right questions, and demand answers. Anyone with an interest in the Johnson Street Bridge is urged to attend the 10am announcement, and encouraged to ask questions if allowed.

In anticipation of some sort of funding available from the Federal Government johnsonstreetbridge.ORG sent a letter to Minister Baird early last week – it summarized the letter to council, and asked the following:

“Dear Minister Baird,

We are the directors of a citizens’ group of several hundred Victoria residents who are troubled by how the City of Victoria has proceeded with its plan to replace the 1924-built Johnson Street Bridge. We have been advised that you are considering providing money to this project, even though – judging by last week’s events – it is not clear whether the City will repair or replace the bridge, or even what type of replacement bridge the City might build.

We ask that you:

1) Do not announce any funding until the City has clarified whether it intends to repair or replace the bridge, and if it intends to replace the bridge, whether or not a new bridge will include rail facilities, and whether or not it will receive contributions for rail from other municipalities or organizations;

2) Or, alternatively, if you do announce funding at this time, that the monies be provided without condition, whether the City elects to repair the existing bridge or replace it.

We are concerned that a federal funding announcement will give a “seal of approval” to the City’s replacement project, even though the City does not know how or whether it intends to proceed. Since the beginning, this project has been plagued with false urgency to appear “shovel-ready,” and a federal announcement now will only encourage more rushed decisions, without the full consideration of issues raised by Victoria taxpayers.”…

johnsonstreetbridge.ORG will follow this closely – and report as new information is available.

Share on Facebook