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New bridge body will have local voice

Journal Staff Two local residents have been appointed directors of the new body overseeing operations at the Blue Water Bridge and three other Canadian border crossings.

Journal Staff

Two local residents have been appointed directors of the new body overseeing operations at the Blue Water Bridge and three other Canadian border crossings.

Pascale Daigneault, a Sarnia personal injury lawyer with Fleck Law, was appointed to a three-year term.

And Gary Atkinson, of Wyoming, will serve four years on the seven-member board, which is based in Ottawa.

The Federal Bridge Corporation came into being Feb. 1 to collectively govern the Canadian half of four bridges: Blue Water and spans in Sault Ste. Marie, Cornwall and Lansdowne (near Kingston).

The move ends a 50-year history of decision-making at the Point Edward bridge being handled by a local board.

Transport Canada says the new Crown Corporation will be more cost efficient and ensure uniform security and safety standards at the four crossings.

The Blue Water Bridge position of chief operating officer has been eliminated, but no other changes have been announced for bridge staff, which includes toll collectors, currency exchange, administration and maintenance.


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