After 5 years of diligent hard work, a grassroots group looking to build a new pedestrian bridge in Plum Coulee has finally been given some good news.
Spokesperson, June Letkeman, says the Province has finally approved the permit for the structure, intended to help pedestrian and cycling traffic quickly and safely travel between the north and south sides of town, divided by a drain.
"I am very, very, very excited about this news," beamed Letkeman, noting the first application for this project was submitted to Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure in April 2019.
It's taken a lot to get to this point, she added, noting the committee has spent about $38,000 on the many studies that were required.
"Kyle Wiebe has done it all. He's been excellent and persistent as well. Every time they sent it back, they needed more drawings or more studies, we were always so disappointed. It just seemed like we were never going to get this permit."
This has been especially frustrating because, as Letkeman noted, without a bridge, the only way of walking or cycling between the north and south sides of town is to use Highway 306 or PTH 14.
"Both of which are not safe," she said.
Permit in hand, the plan is to start construction on Phase 1 on January 1st.
"That's the base; piers and the concrete and all of that," explained Letkeman, noting the necessary funds for that work have been secured.
Plans for Phase 2, which is the actual bridge, have been drawn up and a contractor is on deck to get started when the time is right. However, Letkeman says they are about $150,000 short of being able to pay for it.
Having already raised $270,000, she says support for the project has been great so far and notes, we'll hear more about a few upcoming fund raisers shortly.
"We hope to have some fund raisers, of course, and also we would really appreciate some help in calling on businesses or if businesses call me and say they are willing to help us out, that would be great."
There's also an opportunity to purchase a board for the bridge at $250, and Letkeman says those people will be recognized with either their name on the board itself or on a donor wall.
Those interested in lending their support to the project can contact Letkeman by calling 204-362-0501.