Feds look to offload lift bridge costs

Ottawa wants to off-load the costs of maintaining the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge to the cities of Hamilton and Burlington.

The government spent $6 million since 2009 on repairs. However Hamilton councillors say they’re already strapped for cash, with an estimated $200 million dollar infrastructure deficit.

More than 10,000 vehicles and 6,000 ships use the bridge every year.

The bridge also serves as an emergency route for the QEW when the Skyway Bridge is blocked.