Did you know that all three proposed replacement designs for Victoria's Johnson Street Bridge (known as the "Blue Bridge") were prepared by the same architectural firm? And that none of the three designs have been in place anywhere in the world or have been tested as bridges? Both of these statements are true.

What is missing is a design that truly reflects the historical, cultural, and social circumstances of Victoria. If a replacement is needed (as compared to significant repairs and upgrading), then any new bridge should reflect the traditions, values and economics of the City of Victoria. The current proposed designs do not.

We suggest a design (below) that resembles the world-famous Tower Bridge of London (not to be confused with the "London Bridge"). The architecture more closely resembles Victoria's heritage buildings, and, in fact, would be a better tourist attraction than any of the designs currently proposed. Tourism is a major economic driver for the City of Victoria.

In addition, the towers could serve as facilities for housing the homeless since it's unlikely that any private developer will establish affordable, decent space for the homeless in the downtown core. So why not use the opportunity for taxpayers to support housing for the homeless?

Other parts of the towers can be used for support services, including medical, social, and employment services for people located in the downtown area. This could include the "not-in-my-neighbourhood" needle exchange, detox centre, or drug and alcohol treatment services.

The top section connecting the towers could be an observation deck/tea room that could easily be a tourist destination as well as an opportunity for Victoria area residents to view our beautiful Inner Harbour.

I've created the "mashup" photo of the Tower Bridge with the BC Legislature in the background. I used Photoshop to accomplish this because quite honestly, I can't draw. My apologies to the original photographers who may believe the resulting photo misrepresents their work, but it was the best way to show how much better this design fits what Victoria needs than the three drawings presented by the City of Victoria.

If you have any comments, please feel free to email me at rcarr@islandnet.com