LOCAL lottery millionaire Bob Erb’s idea to build a bridge connecting Ferry Island and downtown Terrace as a way to combat increasing rail traffic is sure to see its fair share of critics – but one thing that’s hard to criticize is his ability to think big and play outside of the box.
Two weeks ago, while discussing the various new properties Erb has recently purchased in downtown Terrace, he mentioned an offer of $50,000 for Terrace City Council –providing the city put up $100,000 of its own – in order to study the potential for the alternate route.
While it’s tough to imagine council accepting this monetary challenge, considering the city’s tight coffers and its reasoned insistence that CN and the province play a role in paying for traffic solutions tied to the railway, it’s his verbal challenge that warrants a response.
“This is a hub city and you want to see growth and money realized through increased property values. You have to make big town decisions ... Their vision is to keep it the quaint little town they grew up in and let the fast paced world pass by.”
But it’s worth noting that council made a “big town decision” just this month with regards to recycling and garbage pickup. The move won’t happen until next year, but it’s a start, and is an example of the kind of big action local residents want.
Terrace is a hub city, and growing fast. It’s nice to see council continuing to grow with us.