SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — The City of Summerside appears to be on board with Sen. Percy Downe’s crusade to reform Confederation Bridge tolls.
Deputy Mayor Norma McColeman brought up the issue at Tuesday night’s Financial Services meeting.
She said council has had preliminary discussion on showing support for Downe’s efforts and that a formal resolution on the matter would be brought forward at the April council meeting.
When prompted no councillors at committee meeting spoke to that idea, either for or against it.
Downe is one of four senators who represent P.E.I. in Ottawa. He has been pushing to have the tolls lowered or even eliminated. Anyone leaving P.E.I. in a two-axle vehicle via Confederation Bridge currently has to pay $47.75.
Downe has argued that since a 2015 decision was made to give Quebec a toll-free Champlain Bridge, at a cost of $4.2 billion, residents of P.E.I. are entitled to relief from bridge costs as well. He also points to Canada’s guarantee to Islanders of access to the mainland.
McColeman said she hopes Summerside’s show of support will prompt other P.E.I. municipalities to raise their voices as well.
With a provincial election currently underway and a federal one slated for October, now is the time to do so, she said.
The Confederation Bridge is owned by the federal government, which contracts operations out to Strait Crossing Inc. In 2032 operation of the structure will transfer to the federal government.
