Calgary Peace Bridge Discussion

   I think that most Calgarians will agree that the "Peace Bridge" controversy has been one of the most polarizing issues in local politics in may years.  Love it or hate it, the Peace Bridge is finally nearing its completion after nearly fifteen months of delays.   I had the chance to appear as a guest on the CBC Calgary Eyeopener again this week to discuss everybody's favorite pedestrian bridge and had a blast as always. 



Personally, I think that the bridge is quite odd looking, but unique.  My issues with the bridge include the following:

•  I am not a fan of the way that this bridge funding was pushed through council.  I would have preferred a public tender process and more transparency during the whole process.  Had there been more discussion on this, I think that this bridge would not have become such a polarizing issue. 

• I agree that most people were not sold on why this bridge would be needed as there are some additional pedestrian bridges nearby.

• It will be interesting to see what additional costs will be added to the final totals ( here is an interesting link about the nearby Heliport) once the dust settles. 

 Either way, I am pleased that because of the public uproar over this bridge, city council will never go through with this type of untendered public infrastructure project again. 

Here is a link to the CBC Eyeopener chat....

http://www.cbc.ca/eyeopener/columnists/unconventional/2012/02/22/unconventionals-discuss-peace-bridge/

What are your thoughts on the Peace Bridge?

Shane