THUNDER BAY – Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins is disappointed, but not surprised that a Superior Court of Ontario judge has ruled Canadian National Railway does not have to maintain the roadway portion of the James Street Swing Bridge.
Collins on Wednesday said he still plans to negotiate with the railway to see if a temporary solution can be found, but he plans to focus on building consensus and finding the funds to build a new access span across the river to connect his community with Thunder Bay.
“It’s frustrating to say the least that we still don’t have access to our community today,” Collins said of the decision, which was four years in the making after the bridge was ruled unsafe for vehicular traffic after a fire damaged the structure on Oct. 29, 2013.
It’s remained closed to vehicles ever since, though trains still cross the middle portion of the aging structure that spans the Kaministiquia River.
It’s had a huge impact on his community, Collins said.
With only one timely way in and one way out, residents of Fort William First Nation face unnecessary risk each and every day, Collins said.
“The psychological thing that it’s done to our community is we cannot continue to bring an economy into our community right now because of the fact we don’t have that access that we need. Industry and everyone else … would like to something that doesn’t impact their transportation and people coming to and from work,” Collins said.
Within months of the fire, Collins estimated businesses in his community were combining to lose $50,000 in revenue a day, a number that tbnewswatch.com cannot independently corroborate.
Collins, who spoke briefly Wednesday with Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs, said he’s doubtful the city will appeal the decision, saying the money could probably be better spent building a new bridge between the two communities.
But that won’t happen overnight.
“What it will take is a one-year environmental assessment that has to take place. And probably design and build that will take another two years, so we’re probably looking at three to five years before we see permanent access into the community,” Collins said, adding the lion’s share of the money would have to come from senior levels of government.
He declined to comment when asked how much Fort William First Nation would be willing to contribute to the proposed project, which could see a new bridge built next to the swing bridge.
The city, for its part, had little to say about the setback.
“We are disappointed with the decision, and are considering our options going forward,” said city manager Norm Gale said in a brief release.
“A full report will be brought to city council soon. We will not be making any further comment at this time.”
