Calgary councillors want better design, lower cost for Prince's Island span

A new bridge connecting Eau Claire and Prince's Island was sent back to the drawing board before it could even be presented to the city's planning commission, which some councillors hope provides an opportunity for cost savings and better design.

The proposed replacement for the 1960s-era Jaipur Bridge was twice as wide in order to accommodate a fire truck, but it was scrapped following criticism from the public and council members..

"We really have to look at these designs and the costing and say, 'well, we have certain rules,do they even make sense?'" said Coun. Ward Sutherland.

"And if it's going to cost twoor threetimes the money, then maybe we shouldn't be doing it and just make it a pedestrian bridge."

The bridge is a busy crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly when large events like the Calgary Folk Fest are underway.

Part of larger project

Replacing the old crossing is part of a larger plaza project at the east end of an area that was completely redesigned, with pathways that lead to the park and plaza centred around the Peace Bridge.

"We want to ensure the designof the bridge complements that work, and I think it's been thought of separately instead of together," Coun. Druh Farrell saidon The Homestretch last week.

She'd prefer to see a subtle bridge that blends into its surroundings, not a standout structure.

Coun. Evan Woolley says trying to incorporate fire trucks, even though there's access at the west end of the island, takes away from the project and meant good design was sidelined.

"A capital regulatory requirement chewed up the total capital budget of a bridge so that it can't even look nice, can't even engage with Calgarians for something that Calgarians want," he said.

The plaza project near the Eau Claire Market is budgeted for $9.6 million.