Councillor says Saskatoon needs north bridge

A Saskatoon city councillor says the North Commuter Parkway bridge must move forward — with or without involvement from the provincial government.

This project is not going to sit around on the table.- Councillor Zach Jeffries

The proposed bridge, in Saskatoon's north end, would connect a growing residential neighbourhood to a busy industrial zone across the river.

The City of Saskatoon wanted to apply to the Federal government's P3 Canada Fund this year. 

However, the city had hoped the provincial government would be a partner. So far, the province has not said whether it will help pay for the bridge. That means city hall will miss a December application deadline, putting in jeopardy a 2016 timeline for a completed bridge.

"This project is not going to sit around on the table if some parties choose not to get involved," said Ward 10 Councillor Zach Jeffries.

Jeffries said he hopes the province will participate in the project. He noted all bridges in Saskatoon were built with provincial assistance and believes that policy should continue.

Councillor believes river cities are at a disadvantage

"Compared to other communities, we have a significant cost to build east-west roadways," he added. "I believe that's where governments with larger taxation powers, and just simply more dollars at their disposal, have an obligation to help level the playing field."

Jeffries said the traffic situation in the Saskatoon's north east has become a serious problem that needs to be addressed right away.

"I, on a number of occasions, have sat in traffic, to move three kilometres [for] nearly an hour," he said.

Later on Wednesday Saskatoon's mayor, Don Atchison, said he is confident a bridge will be built in the north end.