Title: Citizens' Bridge Committee (Fredericton, N.B.) fonds. -- 1968-1977; predominant 1972-1977. -- 51.5 cm of textual material; 96 photographs: b&w and col.; 1 audio reel

Administrative History: The Citizens' Bridge Committee was formed in May 1974 to urge the provincial government of New Brunswick to find an alternative to the proposed highway bridge at the Westmorland Street site. Its primary objection to this site was the location and the size and cost of the project. The committee felt that there were other alternatives, such as other bridge sites and less costly design features. The Citizens' Bridge Committee was supported initially by the Fredericton chapter of the New Brunswick Conservation Council and Fredericton Heritage Trust. Although the committee operated independently, they sought other established organizations to endorse their goals.

The principal officers of the Citizens' Bridge Committee included Anthony Pugh (Co-Chairman), Marguerite Haywood (Co-Chairman), and Sabine Campbell (Secretary-Treasurer). The eligibility requirement for membership was anyone who shared the committee's objectives. The objectives of the Citizens' Bridge Committee included the following: to acquire citizen participation in the decisions relating to bridge and highway construction in the city of Fredericton, to develop public awareness of the problem, to coordinate public input, and to articulate community concerns. The committee sought expert opinions on bridge and highway matters, released news items, provided speakers to groups and information to the general public, and represented public concerns before governments and government agencies.

The Citizens' Bridge Committee dissolved in September 1975 because it was felt the anti-bridge case had been presented to the public and there were many people who agreed with the committee's position. However, the committee did continue to present its views when public hearings were held on the bridge issue. In January 1977, a new committee was created, called Save Our City. This committee included representatives from the York-Sunbury Historical Society, the New Brunswick Conservation Council, the University Women's Club, Fredericton Heritage Trust, Community Planning Association of Canada, various neighbourhood associations, and some members from the Citizen's Bridge Committee. The aim of this new committee was to "open the eyes and ears of civil servants and politicians who have persisted in ignoring the substantial opposition to the Westmorland Street bridge proposal."

Scope and Content: This fonds documents the role of the Citizens' Bridge Committee in opposition to the proposed Westmorland Street Bridge, from 1968 to 1977. Contents include newspaper clippings, news releases, brochures, petitions, reports, circulars, and correspondence. This fonds also includes a log book from 1974-1975, which contains a detailed daily record of communications among committee members; and a name index of members, supporters, and contacts. There is an also an assortment of slides and photographs that were probably used for demonstration purposes.

This fonds is divided into three series:

Series 1. Office Files. -- 1968-1977; predominant 1971-1977
Series 2. Correspondence. -- 1972-1977
Series 3. Audio-visual materials. -- 1972-1974

Notes:

Title: Title based on name of creator.

Extent: Of the 96 photographs, 66 are slides.

Immediate Source of Acquisition: Material deposited by Janet Phillipps in 1979 and 1980.

Access: Unrestricted.

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