Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon’s response time on a matter of bridge infrastructure concern was truly impressive. I had sent him a memo raising concerns about drainage and leakage of bridge structures in Abbotsford and less than 2 weeks later workers were to be found making repairs to the drainage system.

I just do not know whether to laugh uproariously or hang my head and cry in despair.

After the snowfall that turned to a downpour I sent Minster Falcon a memo about the difficulties caused the homeless by the bad drainage and massive leakage noting the need to “remove the threat posed to the health and lives forced to live beneath the bridges, like trolls from the dark-ages tales”.

I did note that “we at homelessinabbotsford.com would rather see these needs address in the proper manner and ministry, as opposed to continuing to sweep the problem under the bridges – and whatever makeshift shelter can be found.” I suggested that as an alternative to repairs he could speak to Claude Richmond (Minister of Employment and Income Assistance), Housing Minister Rich Coleman or Premier Gordon Campbell and get changes made to the policies that result in BC citizens living under the provinces bridges.

Based on the swift repair to the drainage system it would appear that it is the BC Liberal government’s policy that BC citizens reside under bridges.

Leaving us to ponder whether the $500,000,000 pursuing these polices costs taxpayers, would not be spent on housing and recovery support programs which would reduce the yearly costs and result in significant savings to taxpayers?