There Will Be No Maurice Richard Bridge After All

Update Nov 7, 2014: The new bridge will not bear the name Maurice Richard after the family withdrew it from consideration. No decision has been made on the new name.

“We understand and recognize the important of Samuel de Champlain,” Denis Lebel said. “We are still reflecting,” an aide noted later. “The priority is to build a new bridge.”

According to a new report by La Presse, the federal government will be naming the bridge to replace the champlain after famed Montreal Canadiens hockey player Maurice Richard. They intend to make the announcement on December 9th – to pay homage to Maurice Richard’s retired #9.

Federal minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs Denis Lebel had suggested the name as far back as 2012, indicating that Maurice Richard topped the list of suggestions form Quebecers in every poll. On Friday, however, both Lebel’s and Prime Minsiter Stephen Harper’s offices state that no decision has been made

Maurice Richard passed away in May of 2000 and was accorded a state funeral – something reserved for people who have profoundly affected the lives of Quebecers. 115,000 people paid homage during the public viewing.

Not everyone is happy with the rumours. Henri Dorion, a former head of the Commission de toponymie du Québec doesn’t believe it’s appropriate for a hockey player to have the same stardom as Samuel de Champlain.

“I don’t believe in naming a structure of such prominence after a hockey player. It’s like saying Maurice Richard was as important as Champlin. M. Richard was important in his domain and I don’t want to minimize contribution to sport but just don’t think it’s appropriate to use his name for such an important piece of the landscape” Mr. Dorion said.

Discussion: http://montrealracing.com/forums/showthread.php?878693