MLA Thinks "Creative Approach" Is Solution To Maxwell Crossing Covered Bridge Troubles

A local MLA thinks we can fix the Maxwell Crossing covered bridge -- with a bit more creativity.

Charlotte-The Isles MLA Rick Doucet tells Tide News we have a number of skilled tradespeople who have worked on these bridges for many years. "We should pull some of these guys who used to work out of DOT out of retirement and help out with this project and make it a community project. It could be a great model because there are only so many covered bridges that are left."



He thinks using a combination of a local contractor and a few retired members of DOT who have expertise in covered bridges can get the job done -- with less money. "I've taken the opportunity to talk to some of these retired employees, and they feel that they can do the job, and I think it's a matter of just pushing it through the system. Let's take a creative approach, and get these guys on the ground to make it happen."

Doucet says after talking to some of the retired DOT members, he feels the bridge can be repaired for around $300,000, compared to $500,000 estimated by current DOT officials.

Doucet says he understand that Maxwell Crossing is not in his jurisdiction, but he has taken the time to reach out to Charlotte-Campobello MLA Curtis Malloch as a New Brunswicker who supports the heritage of the province.

Doucet says, as far as he is concerned, covered bridges should be on the endangered species list.

Mayor Sends Letter To Minister For Maxwell Bridge

The Mayor of St. Stephen isn't quite as talkative as others on the topic of the Maxwell Crossing covered bridge.

Mayor John Quartermain sending a letter to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Claude Williams on behalf of St. Stephen Town Council.

The letter stated many of the factors relating to the Maxwell Bridge, including "The Town of St. Stephen still promotes the 'kissing bridges' as a flash back in time", and "The Maxwell Crossing covered bridge has been an important link to manage the Town of St. Stephen's water reservoir and chlorination pump house. The bridge access reduces response times for our water technical staff by approximately 15 to 20 minutes between the reservoir and the chlorination area."
However, the letter did not ask specifically whether the Mayor wanted the government to repair it to its original state, or to replace it.

In closing, Quartermain wrote, "The Maxwell Crossing Covered Bridge has safety, social and economic importance and I would ask that you consider these important factors when determining the future of the Maxwell Crossing Covered Bridge."

The Local Service District of Dennis-Weston claim Mayor Quatermain's signature is on the petition asking for repairs to the covered bridge.

After the St. Stephen Town Council meeting on Monday night, Quartermain dashed from Council Chambers before he could be reached for comment.

Man Goes To St. Stephen Court In Long-Johns

A brief court appearance for a local St. Stephen man charged with attempted break and enter -- "Brief" being the key word.

26-year-old Edward Davison showed up to court today (February 26th, 2013) wearing only a sweatshirt and long-johns. Police asked members of the family to return to Davison's residence and bring back a pair of jeans for him to wear.

Davison was charged with 7 counts, which include mischief, assault against three police officers, threats to two police officers and their families, as well as the attempted break and enter of a home in Oak Bay, all taking place February 19th.

He plead not guilty to all charges and has elected to be tried by Judge alone.

Davison has been remanded into custody until his bail hearing in Saint John this Friday.