Over the last century, the number of covered bridges in New Brunswick dropped from around 300 to about 60 today.
The Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick is concerned over the future of covered bridges, after the Bell Bridge near Hoyt was swiftly torn down in the wake of last weekend’s storm.
President Ron Drisdelle says consultation needs to happen in cases like this, with conversations saying “what do you see now that we have this on our hands, and what is the probable alternative to dealing with this situation in your eyes?
Drisdelle says if durability and cost are a major concern in replacement bridges, there are likely compromises available.
“There’s a lot of heritage buildings that have been destroyed by fire, and we always rebuild them with products that are better, or stronger,” says Drisdelle. “But that can be molded in the way that they do look like the heritage product [they replaced.]”
He adds the Gallant Government frequently touts the importance of tourism to the province.
“That sort of suggests that we’re going to do everything that we can do to ensure what draws tourists to New Brunswick is safe and in good condition, but I leave that question of how to go about it, and what materials to the professional engineers,” continues Drisdelle.
Drisdelle says in cases like Hoyt, where the nearby 87-year old Bell Bridge was torn down days after being deemed unsalvageable by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, the government really needs to consult with locals before all the heritage is erased.
(Photo Credit: Dennis Jarvis)
