Prince Edward Islanders debate bridge to New Brunswick
The Story
In three days residents of P.E.I. will vote on the fixed link -- a yes or no that will change their lives forever. The potato farmers think a bridge will be good for business, but the fishermen worry it might cost them their livelihood. Tonight CBC Radio reporter Peter Gzowski joins some of these voters in Charlottetown, P.E.I., as they present their most pressing opinions on the matter. Islanders for a Better Tomorrow, who are in favour of the link, are pitted against Friends of the Island, who feel the link has been insufficiently researched and won't necessarily benefit P.E.I. Though a bridge might be the most economical move for Prince Edward Island, some say economics shouldn't be the deciding factor. Part of what they love about the island is their uniquely isolated lifestyle. Connecting P.E.I. to Canada will be convenient, but what will be the price of connecting Canada to P.E.I.?
Program: Morningside
Broadcast Date: Jan. 15, 1988
Guest(s): Martin Dorrell, Daphne Dumont
Host: Peter Gzowski
Duration: 20:49
Did You know?
• The group in favour of the bridge, Islanders for a Better Tomorrow, cited progress and economic stability. Alternately, Friends of the Island argued that a bridge would cause environmental, social and long-term economic problems. In August of 1993, Friends of the Island lost its legal fight to stop the building of the link when a judge ruled that the environmental assessment had been adequate.
• During these preliminary feasibility studies in the 1980s the causeway idea (a raised road through water) was eliminated because of possible resulting environmental damage. The railway tunnel was eliminated because it would not provide either quieter or more convenient service than ferries. But a highway tunnel was not ruled out.
• Study results were presented in the spring of 1987, at which time Public Works asked for expressions of interest. Twelve organizations responded, seven qualified, and three finalists were selected.
• Islanders were asked only if they were in favour of the concept of replacing ferry service. They were not given a choice between a bridge and a tunnel. That was up to the building companies, based on which was cheapest and most viable option.
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