Modeling Journey

News broke today that Mayor Robertson is considering holding a referendum next year on whether to build a pedestrian/bicycle bridge over False Creek. The news shows a very unimaginative bridge crossing the Creek to join the two sides:

"The proposed 15-metre-wide suspension bridge would cross the entrance to False Creek just west of Burrard Street, linking Kitsilano at Vanier Park with the West End at Sunset Beach.

Architect Gregory Henriquez presented the plan to the mayor after the two talked about the idea a few months ago.

The proposed span was "very elegant and modern," according to Robertson, who compared it to the popular pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge that crosses the Thames River in London.

"It's an infrastructure project and these kinds of bridges have actually been quite positive economic generators in London and Paris and we would be among the leading cities in North America to do something like this," said Robertson on Thursday night after the proposal was publicly released.

Taxpayers could vote on the idea during a referendum in the next civic election, said Robertson, who is also hoping the federal and provincial governments will help with funding."

Let's hope that the Mayor does not blow this opportunity to provide something spectacular, instead of the ugly bridge proposed in the article.

The Cat's advice to the Mayor is to think of the beauty of the Ponte Vecchio, in Florence.

Instead of a single purpose bridge, Mayor Robertson should be aiming at building a bridge over False Creek which includes stores for restaurants (dine while watching the cruise boats sail beneath you), for local musicians to use as a venue to perform, and for local artists to not only use to display their art, but to create their art.

Imagine tourists flocking to watch local artists paint the lovely sunsets, and enjoying a glass of wine while doing so. And being able to listen to writers and artists explain their works? All in an edifice which soars over the Creek, and has little rooms tacked onto its sides, like the famous Ponte Vecchio!

That would kill two birds with one stone: provide for pedestrians and cyclists to cross, and become a major tourist draw. To make sure it appeals to tourists, the bridge might have to be located a little bit closer to English Bay, where there is plenty of room for it to disgorge the people.

And, of course, where those on the bridge would have a good view of the annual fireworks display at English Bay.

So, think bigger, Mayor Robertson, and think Florentian while you do so. No doubt PM Harper could find a few hundred million for such a project.