[Phanuthier]

Jiri I think its perfectly within the thread to criticize the bidding process for this. I always thought these sort of architecture projects were always open for bidding for dozens of architecture firms, so I'm with you that I'm disappointed they just handed it off to one guy without seeing what else was out there.

Also agreed on the urban sprawl thing. The more the city builds outwards, the more the city will have to change inside to accommodate the new size. Calgary wasn't meant to be built for the size it is now (both land and population) so I'm all for ideas of:

- building UP and not OUT (i.e. I'm against building mass roads to suburbia, and would rather concentrate population in the city so that public transportation can be more effective, see next bullet)
- better alternative transportation than cars (i.e. public transportation, foot bridge)
- stronger downtown core versus crappy urban sprawls (i.e. quality architecture and life in the center of the city rather than spending the money to accommodate suburbia and have everyone leave the downtown to go to suburbia after 5pm)

I don't know how the $24M or whatever price tag fairs to the current budget so I'm interested in seeing how where the money goes where, but to me, the idea of this bridge suites all 3 points on what I think is best for Calgary. (and I won't even enjoy it or use it since I don't live in Calgary anymore, just making an observation)