Île Mercier residents frustrated their bridge is still closed to vehicles
As water levels appear to be stabilizing, residents of the small island of Île Mercier are frustrated that their bridge is still closed to vehicular traffic.
The bridge, which links the island to Île Bizard, was closed to cars and trucks in mid-April, and then to pedestrians a few days later because rising river levels and a strong current posed a risk to those crossing.
However, the bridge was reopened to pedestrians earlier this week, and residents say it is now mostly dry, but they still have not received the green light from the city’s emergency response crews to drive on it.
Firefighters and police officers are keeping constant watch at the entrance of the bridge, and an ambulance is also parked there.
It seems like overkill for longtime island resident Pier-Luc Cauchon, who says the city could easily allow residents to drive home.
“Why not open the bridge to allow people to get water and supplies? And then if the water comes back, they can close it again,” Cauchon said. “People are a bit frustrated. Some have been living in hotels or elsewhere because they can’t make the walk.”
One of those who can’t return home is Sonia Brown, another longtime resident. She has been staying at a friend’s house on the mainland since the bridge was closed. As an IT technician, Brown sometimes has to carry technology equipment — like computers and monitors — to and from the office.
“It’s a lot of stuff to lug, and I have my daughter and her school bag, too, and it’s a 10-minute walk to get to the other side of the bridge,” she said. “It would be nice if it was open. I know (the water) receded, but I think their fear is that it is going to rise.”
Both Brown and Cauchon say they are used to seasonal flooding nearly every year. However, this year’s water levels are rivalling some of the highest observed in recent years, but are still far lower than the records seen in 2017 and 2019. In the 2017 floods, several homes were so damaged they had to be demolished. Several were never rebuilt.
Reached Friday afternoon, Jim Beis, the executive committee member responsible for security and prevention, said he’s aware of the complaints about the bridge, but he doesn’t decide when it reopens.
“It’s our emergency response teams that are evaluating the risks and the projections (of river water levels) to make sure that it can be opened safely,” Beis said.
He added the water levels have decreased a bit, but they are still higher than normal for this time of year.
“It’s stabilizing at the moment, but we know there is a lot of rain that is occurring up north and all of that is heading our way,” Beis said. “We are expecting the levels to go up early to mid-next week.
“It’s good that it has stabilized because we can give our staff a bit of a break, but we’re expecting to have to come back when the water levels rise again.”
Cauchon agreed the levels appear not to be worrisome for the moment, but he admits anything can happen in the coming days.
“There’s nothing to worry about at this moment,” he said. “One week from now, maybe.”
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