The uncertainty that elections and potential changes bring prompted Sicamous voters to question local candidates about the possible impact to the Bruhn Bridge replacement that’s scheduled to start this month.
A series of submitted questions were addressed at the Oct. 10 all-candidates forum hosted by the Sicamous & District Chamber of Commerce, including how they would ensure that the bridge work is completed.
NDP candidate Sylvia Lindgren said she too is concerned that a changing government might affect the project, and took an approach of if it's not broke, don't fix it.
"They're starting work on the Bruhn Bridge... let them finish. The things that are being talked about here tonight are already being done," she said. "Why would we change governments? It's time to just take a look at what's been happening already. We're going in the right direction."
Independent Greg McCune, however, looked at the flip side that while the work on the bridge is finally getting started, it's been too long in getting this far and "should have happened immediately."
"They need to pull the trigger," he added. "Projects are not getting done... in a timely fashion."
The other candidates all assured they would see the project through as well, as transportation is essential, particularly on a major route like Highway 1.
"People need to get where they need to go. We at BC Greens see that that's important for people and for the economy. How can small businesses be successful if we don't have proper transportation," party representative Jed Wiebe said, also pointing out that it's a necessity for disaster and emergency response.
He added the Greens have proposed free public transit across the province if elected, which would help lessen the impact on transportation infrastructure and increase its longevity with fewer cars on the road.
Also promising the bridge would be fixed under his party, Conservative David Williams said it starts at the provincial level but the Canadian government needs to be on the hook as well.
"What we do have to have though is a strong provincial government that advocates for this province," he said. "Because that is a number one highway, and the fact is that's a federal road, so we should be getting more federal financing as well, rather than people in this province footing the bill."
Though Independent Sherry Roy admitted to knowing very little about the situation with the bridge project, she said it needs to be addressed but would like to see more say from the people and local governments directly impacted.
"We keep giving more and more taxes but we have not idea where the money's going," she said. "We need to have more of a say... I think we need to address some things at a local level."
Further questions echoed much of what was discussed at previous all-candidates meetings, including healthcare, the housing crisis and wildfire management. Additional coverage, including candidate bios and other questions answered, can be found on the Observer website prior to the Oct. 19 election.
Editor's note: Provincial/territorial governments are responsible for planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance and financing of highways within their jurisdiction. See Transport Canada.
