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More questions than answers on Ross River Bridge

The ultimate fate of the Ross River footbridge is still unclear.

The ultimate fate of the Ross River footbridge is still unclear.

The 70-year-old structure spanning the Pelly River had been slated for demolition until this week, when the government said it would instead stabilize the bridge so it is no longer at risk of collapse.

The community had rallied in support of the bridge, and some members were camped out on the ice around the clock in an effort to save it.

Pasloski’s top political staff met with Ross River Dena Council Chief Brian Ladue and councillors last week to talk about the issue.

MLA Kevin Barr, Opposition critic for Community Services, asked the government Wednesday to commit not only to stabilizing but also to restoring the structure.

“It is unfortunate that some of the residents of Ross River had to block access to the bridge for nearly two weeks to prevent it from being destroyed and to be heard from their government,” said Barr.

Pasloski said that the latest move on the bridge is “yet another example of this public government working together with Yukon First Nations to get things done.”

“When the people have to blockade a bridge in order for the government to work with them, it is not working with the people, it’s catching up on long overdue action by this Yukon territorial government,” said Barr.

Pasloski did not commit to anything beyond the stabilization of the bridge, except to say that the government will look at the options.