Niagara’s Burgoyne bridge under investigation

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Niagara Regional Police Chief Jeff McGuire says his force lost credibility with the general public when he was not included in discussions over a criminal investigation into the Burgoyne bridge. In a stern letter, Chief McGuire raised concerns with the approach council was taking into investigating the now $91 million bridge replacement project.

The bridge, which runs over the 406 and Twelve Mile Creek in St.Catharines was originally scheduled to open during the Pan Am games but officials say it won’t be ready until the spring of next year. Now the Burgoyne bridge is at the centre of a criminal investigation. Following an earlier audit it is not clear how the project ballooned from the roughly $50 million to $91 million.

“They didn’t detect any fraud, they did say there was an opportunity for fraud and because that leaves a cloud over the region, we want to get to the bottom of that.” Selina Volpatti, Niagara Region.

Council approved a motion for a forensic audit of the controversial project to be conducted by either the OPP or the RCMP. Niagara Regional police services however were not included.

In a strongly written letter to council Chief McGuire said the damage was already done. He writes, “by the suggestion of referring the matter to other police services, without having ever raised the concerns or allegations with the Niagara Regional police service, council has publicly called into question the abilities and impartiality of the Niagara Regional Police service.”

In the letter the Chief says council at the very least could have consulted him before the motion was brought forward to provide input. Selina Volpatti, who chairs the Burgoyne bridge task force says an investigation by the local police force may create a conflict of interest. The region funds the police force and three members of council sit on the police board. She says the OPP and RCMP were recommended because two thirds of the project is being funded by the Provincial and Federal government.

Chief McGuire declined requests by CHCH for comment. The investigation is expected to start next month.