Confederation Bridge tolls resolution sought by P.E.I. senator

A resolution from the P.E.I. Legislature on the issue of Confederation Bridge tolls would be difficult to ignore, says an Island senator, and would launch a serious discussion with Ottawa.

It would send a clear message that there is widespread support.- Senator Percy Downe

Senator Percy Downe said in a news release Monday he has written to the three parties in the provincial legislature asking them to pass a resolution of support on the tolls issue in the spring session of the Legislature.

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"Assuming the MLAs support it, a resolution from the P.E.I. legislature would do a couple of things," said Downe.

"It would empower the provincial government. It would give them a mandate for the discussions with the government of Canada. And it would send a clear message that there is widespread support for the initiative across the province."

Downe said the resolution should call for treatment equal to that received by the citizens of Quebec, who will travel fro free across a new $5 billion bridge in Montreal.

The Confederation Bridge cost about $1 billion to build in 1997. The toll was initially $35 for a car, and has been reviewed annually. On Jan. 1 it will increase to $46.

Downe maintains it's not fair if the federal Liberals fully finance a new bridge in Montreal while Islanders must pay tolls.

In a written statement, the province said the bridge is under federal jurisdiction and is managed by private company.

"While the bridge is a federal responsibility, if the contract regarding tolls is not reopened, this may allow the province leverage while negotiating other priorities with Ottawa," the statement read.

Cost of maintenance

Confederation Bridge was built and is managed by a private company.

Michel LeChasseur, general manager of the Confederation Bridge, said the tolls cover the cost of maintenance and the patrolling of the bridge, as well as its initial cost. They are part of a contract negotiated with the federal government before it was built.

"As per the contract, we are allowed to increase the tolls on the first of the year, every year, based on 75 per cent of the year-over-year inflation," said LeChasseur.

Downe has offered to share with provincial politicians material he has collected over the last two years while researching the issue of Confederation Bridge tolls.

The Confederation Bridge also announced its annual toll increase on Monday.