Province 'grasping at straws' for solutions for Centennial Bridge, residents say

The province is considering subsidizing bus passes, shuttling people from one side to the other and even launching a water taxi to make up for the loss of the sidewalk on Miramichi's Centennial Bridge.

But some residents aren't convinced those options will cut it.

The bridge deck is set to undergo much-needed upgrades over the next two years, but the plans don't include preserving the sidewalks, which some rely on as a cheap, accessible and healthy way to travel between Miramichi and Chatham.

Transportation Minister Chuck Chiasson said in an interview on Maritime Noon that the department has been in talks with the City of Miramichi about other options, and that he is open to hearing from the community to find a solution.

Some residents believe none of the options consider vulnerable populations, and that they miss the mark when it comes to preserving the connection residents have with walking the bridge that links their community.

Daniel McGraw was born with cerebral palsy which restricts his ability to walk more than a few feet at a time. He relies on the sidewalk when he crosses the Centennial Bridge several times a week on his mobility scooter. 

He was part of a group of nearly 50 people who participated in a protest last month in response to the sidewalks being removed.

While he said he appreciates the province is making an effort to try and address concerns, he thinks the ideas being tossed around are only realistic for people without a disabilities.

"I'd probably be better off buying a lotto ticket and winning the lottery than fitting this thing on a bus," he said, adding that most bus services he has tried in the area aren't wide enough for his scooter to turn in.

A shuttle service would drive people from one end of the bridge to the other from the morning into the evening to coincide with people's work schedules, Chiasson said. He also said shuttles would be accessible but did not provide any details.

McGraw said he can't afford a bus pass, and believes other residents have resorted to walking or cycling the bridge to save on costly gas prices.

"People can afford to walk because it's free," he said.

While Chiasson did mention bus passes could be subsidized for people who need the assistance, he didn't say who would qualify or how much of the cost would be covered.

Water taxis are the option McGraw could most likely get behind, he said. But he pointed out that they would need to be made accessible for all.