Two Royal City residents want to engage the community in discussion about creative uses for the Pattullo Bridge before it's too late.
Daniel Fontaine and Keith MacKenzie are hosting a community forum on June 6 that will explore the future of the 1937 bridge. While there has been a lot of discussion about plans for a new Pattullo Bridge, they feel the dialogue about the existing structure has been lacking, and they're inviting community members to explore potential uses for the bridge - whether it's condos, a cyclist and pedestrian crossing, a bungee jumping station or a restaurant.
Fontaine believes there are a lot of potential uses for the bridge if it's repurposed or adapted, but it would require harnessing the creativity of the private sector. He said people should think out of the box about the bridge's potential and view it as prime real estate in Greater Vancouver.
"It is something that could really generate a lot of cool ideas," he said. "It doesn't necessary require a lot of public dollars."
Before the public could offer input about the fate of the Port Mann Bridge, Fontaine said a decision was made to tear it down when the new crossing was complete. He doesn't want to see a similar decision made around the Pattullo Bridge without giving the public a chance to provide input.
"Let's do it early on," Fontaine said. "It's a good piece of infrastructure that could potentially be saved."
Fontaine said the only talk to date has been about demolishing the Pattullo Bridge or refurbishing it so it can accommodate vehicles, but he believes creative alternatives exist for the crossing.
TransLink has had public consultation meetings about its plans for a six-lane replacement Pattullo Bridge, and the City of New Westminster has sought input about the Pattullo as part of its master transportation planning exercise, Fontaine believes its important to consider the potential of the existing crossing.
"If you've crossed the aging bridge at any point over the last decade, you've probably asked yourself what is going to happen with this vital piece of public infrastructure in the future," said a press release about the forum. "It's a good question that has taken on added importance now that TransLink and the City of New Westminster have started their public consultation about its future."
The community forum will take place on Wednesday June 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. in La Perla Ballroom, which is on the upper floor of the River Market.
Gordon Price and Anthony Perl from Simon Fraser University, and Jerry Behl, a transportation engineer from the City of New Westminster, attend. The panel presentations will be followed by a townhall style discussion.
For more information email [email protected] or visit the event's Facebook page under Pattullo Bridge Community Forum.
