FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION -- Peter Collins is expecting “good news” to come from the CN Rail’s announcement of their plans for the James Street Swing Bridge.
The Fort William First Nation chief says he’s been in constant communication with CN and is optimistic about their upcoming disclosure, which the city of Thunder Bay announced they are expecting on Monday.
“My hopes are up,” Collins said. “I’ve been in continuous communication with CN since the ruling… I’ve been bringing so many options to the table.”
Collins said he received information via e-mail from CN, indicating that the company is seeking an engineering contractor for the project.
“Does that mean the work will begin tomorrow? Absolutely not. But the process is there,” Collins said.
Last month, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that a 1906 agreement which called for CN to maintain the bridge must be upheld and the span must be reopened to vehicular traffic.
The bridge, which connects the city to Fort William First Nation, has been closed since a fire broke out on the northern approach spans on the evening of Oct. 29, 2013.
“Like I said when the ruling came in, I’m not going to jump for joy until I see some actual work being done on the bridge,” Collins said.
Collins said the process has been slow and painful, but the two sides have been able to discuss possible solutions.
“Hopefully in the very near future we get a solution,” Collins said, “The bridge means a lot… but what it means to our community is the connectivity to Thunder Bay.”
