Delay has nothing to do with the dramatic rise in costs, in fact according to the Vancouver Island Construction Association, labour and material costs have fallen 15-20% since 2008, and the strengthening Canadian Dollar means materials purchased in the US are cheaper. [...]
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What was not presented, or discussed, were the potential outcomes of any council decision in regard to a borrowing bylaw – which will be presented as a question in the November referendum. Most council members appear to be in favour of retaining rail for either option which means considering borrowing either $68 million for replacement, or $82 million for refurbishment [...] The City has rejected the possibility of two lanes based – on what? They have not published any document that conclusively proves it would result in ‘traffic chaos’. It is only through a thorough traffic analysis, AND an actual trial that can prove to City Council the viability of this option. [...] A greater principle is also at stake here. Governments have a duty to thoroughly explore simpler, less-costly solutions to problems, before throwing millions of dollars at more expensive ones. Relying on a “quick” analysis that a cheaper solution won’t work is not acceptable. If the City is unwilling to try fixing obvious, existing problems, how can citizens believe that it will be able to successfully execute a far larger and more costly project? [...] The only chance for anyone to comment publicly about what should included in Victoria’s Johnson Street Bridge rehab plan, it appears, will be at next week’s council meeting, on the evening of Thursday, June 10. [...] Residents are also open minded about bridge options, and feel the City should take in a wide assessment of variables to determine the best options. That is somewhat at variance with the need to ‘get on with the job’, but clearly suggests the public is concerned City Engineering, and the bridge consultants, have not thoroughly explored all possibilities. Rail and historical consideration were also low on the list of priority considerations. [...]  As expected, council has chosen the second option – previous meetings and statements (plus nearly 10 000 petition signatures) made it clear the public wants in depth examination of repairing the bridge, to balance that against the information already known about the chosen replacement bridge, and make a decision. [...]  Council will meet on Thursday February 18th to receive a report from City of Victoria staff. That report has been ‘leaked’ to the Times Colonist, and to johnsonstreetbridge.ORG. [...]  In a Christmas Eve reply to emails Geoff Young made an unprecedented local media moment by allowing jsb .ORG to publish his message. Since the completion of the January 4th counter-petition campaign, and the January 7th council meeting – and motion to seek costs and options for bridge repair – Councillor Young has received questions and comments, which resulted in a ‘common reply’ last week. [...] Denise Savoie, Victoria NDP MP, has confirmation from Federal Minister John Baird that the allocated $21 million originally provided for bridge replacement can be used to offset costs for a bridge repair. [...] |
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