Let’s give Peace a rest
Re: “No peace for bridge,” Letter, July 28.
I strongly suggest the Peace Bridge naysayers move on and concentrate on more pressing issues. Living in a southern suburb far from downtown and working outside of the core, my wife and I chose to wait until the bridge was finished before seeing it. We were stunned at the bridge’s unique architecture (pictures do not do it justice) and functionality.
The day we visited, it was very busy with pedestrians, cyclists, in-line skaters, etc., all using it without conflict due to the well-designed bridge deck. Contrary to Bruce Chrumka’s comment, we saw dozens of tourists taking pictures of the attraction and comments we heard were nothing short of glowing.
I suggest that one view the bridge from all angles. The sight of the office towers framing the south end is impressive as you walk toward the south shore, and from either side, the bridge is a striking image as it spans the Bow.
Looking at the panoramic view of London as the lead-in to the Olympic coverage on television, one does not see boring bridges or nondescript architecture; rather, iconic and identifiable structures identified with the city.
I am proud as a Calgarian that we are starting to embrace public art, creative architecture and recognition that a great metropolis is built on vision, risk and taxpayer contributions to infrastructure.