WHEREAS SARM recognizes the need for a second bridge for the Prince Albert region and the northern part of Saskatchewan to allow for the timely delivery of goods and services to and from the north and to neighbouring municipalities in the Prince Albert region;

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM endorse the efforts of the “Building a Second Bridge Campaign Committee” to gain Provincial and Federal approval for the construction of a second bridge crossing in the Prince Albert region and to establish a timeline for its construction and completion; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Provincial and Federal Governments for financial resources to build a second bridge crossing in the Prince Albert region to support growth and development in the rural municipalities in the region.

Response from Honourable Don McMorris, Minister of Highways and Infrastructure:

The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure appreciates how important the Diefenbaker Bridge is to not only Prince Albert, but the surrounding area and northern Saskatchewan in general. Understanding the critical importance of the Diefenbaker Bridge, the Ministry is assisting the City of Prince Albert by providing the funding necessary for the repairs to the bridge and any technical assistance they require. Repairing the bridge quickly to restore normal traffic flow on the bridge was a priority for our government. Working closely with the City of Prince Albert, we have restored all regulated traffic flow on the bridge since early March.

The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, the City of Prince Albert, and the rural municipalities around Prince Albert have been in discussions about the need for a second bridge for a number of years. We are working with the city and the rural municipalities on a comprehensive study that will address the business case, location and timing considerations of a second bridge. A consultant has been engaged to undertake this work. When the work is complete, the Ministry will be better positioned to assess the need, timing and location for a second bridge.