What has it meant?

Historian and sociologist weigh in on the affects of Confederation Bridge

“Being an Island, we considered that there was something unique that came from that. There was a fear that it would be threatened by having a fixed link, that our uniqueness would be undermined by easier access. We conceived as having something, which no one could define, this Island way of life. “The Bridge hasn’t changed that very much we’re still an Island.”

Sociologist Godfrey Baldacchino says fixed-links can have varying affects. Baldacchino is a UPEI professor in the Sociology and Anthropology department. One of the things he studies is the impact of bridges on Islands. In 2007, his book, “Bridging Islands: The Impact of Fixed Links” was released. The book analyzes what a bridge can do to an Island’s culture, economy, identity, environment and other areas.

“The question can be broken down into several consequences. Some of which are measurable while are others are more conjecture.”

As far as tourism goes, there was a spike just after the bridge came along, he said.

“There was a spike in arrivals, the number of tourists approximately doubled. But then the novelty effect would have taken hold. The interest wore off.” Other areas include demography, crime, environment and business.

“Because the island is closer to the mainland, it makes it easier to access. Some concerns like you are cut off and don’t have the access to proper facilities or certain way of life have been silenced. “Because we now seem so much closer to the rest of the world, it makes it for mainlanders and other non-islanders to invest on P.E.I. and access it.” One argument about crime was that there are different kinds of criminals on P.E.I. from the mainland.

“There was the concern that if there is a bridge people can just come over and there will be a spike in all types of criminal actions. But the level and type of crime hasn’t really changed since the bridge’s opening.” When it comes to culture, Baldacchino admires how the Bridge has become part of the Island’s image.

“It’s become part of the sell of P.E.I. It’s almost like the Confederation Bridge has become an Island thing itself, even though 20 years ago people were looking at it like the very antithesis of Island life.”