Alexandra Bridge should be preserved

Re: Letter — Repair, don't replace, the historic Alexandra Bridge, Nov. 21.

I am in complete agreement with this letter-writer that the Alexandra Bridge should be repaired, not replaced. This heritage bridge has become an iconic symbol of our capital city since its inception in 1901, photographed from every angle, from both sides of the river. The Alexandra Bridge is an essential element of the area and contributes greatly to our rich heritage and culture. Not surprisingly, the bridge was honoured by the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering as a National Historic Civil Engineering Site.

The Alexandra Bridge could even be considered a revenue generator for Ottawa's tourism industry. The comments on the NCC's Facebook page in response to the bridge replacement survey were overwhelmingly in favour of restoring the bridge, not replacing it.

Comments warn that the initial cost of demolishing the historical bridge and building a new one may quickly balloon over budget. Many suggest that repurposing the bridge would be far superior to replacement. The survey itself was entirely biased toward bridge destruction and replacement, allowing no opportunity to voice the merits of bridge preservation. They simply don't build bridges like this anymore and the public recognizes this.

On a personal note, the Alexandra Bridge was built by my great-grandfather, Guy C. Dunn, chief engineer. Proud of her heritage, I remember my grandmother saying that some day she would inherit the attractive plaques at either end of the bridge, which commemorate this work. I share her pride, but my very strong preference would be to protect this historical landmark.

Deborah Wright, Nepean