A bridge not so far

Whether simple irony or manifest destiny, the fact that our most iconic structure and the name of this great city embrace the word “bridge” is perhaps apropos. Almost 110 years after the Lethbridge Viaduct was completed, West Lethbridge is now the largest and fastest-growing area of the city. Aided and abetted by an administration that is driving growth in this direction, there are some immutable facts:

1. Construction of another bridge is not an “if” but a “when” question.

2. The longer we wait to build, the more it will cost in the long run.

Under most reasonable scenarios, population growth alone should generate the funding needed to construct supporting infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Yet the City has left us so saddled with debt from less economic halo projects that we are told there is no more room to borrow.

What the poobahs on council fail to mention is that we don’t need to fund the construction in one huge, indigestible swipe. Major projects can be funded in phases beginning with planning and land acquisition (check) followed by footings and roadways, and eventually the final piece. Undertaken over many years, the project can be completed in a most affordable fashion. Answers as to why this scenario isn’t being put forth for consideration should be demanded.

Whether the debatable decision to bisect our community with the Oldman River some 50 years ago was inspired or a blunder is, ahem, water under the bridge. Let’s use a little friggin’ imagination for a change so that we can cross this financial chasm we have created for ourselves without drowning. Dale Leier

Lethbridge