BUTTON
CulturePrince Edward Island
Dimensions0.4 x 6.5 cm (3/16 x 2 9/16 in.)
Object numberXHF.2024.1.11
DescriptionA circular green button pin with a green front and white lettering. The button says “Vote Yes – Fixed Link”. The reverse is silver with a pin and clasp at the top center. Along the exterior edge is “Walt Wheeler Publications 566-4600”. Narrative
In 1988, PEI held a plebiscite asking Islanders “Are you in favour of a fixed link crossing between PEI and New Brunswick?”. The conversation of a fixed link began long before 1980, as Ottawa had agreed to provide year-round service for the conveyance of mail, passengers, and freight to and from PEI in 1873 when the province joined Confederation. Yet, the severity of Atlantic winters often caused disruptions in the steamship services to and from the island province and many called on Ottawa to fulfill their commitment. Discussions regarding a fixed link began in earnest in the 1880s when Senator George William Howlan suggested to the Senate that a metallic tube, or subway be laid on the floor of the Northumberland Strait. A subway, Howlan decided, would be most cost effective as it could be assembled on land for the estimated cost of two million dollars. Howlan’s fellow senators did not share his enthusiasm and the proposed subway was deemed not financially feasible.
While the topic of a fixed link never completely disappeared from Maritime politics, throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries a series of passenger, car, and rail ferries were introduced to the Island’s waters to connect Islander with the mainland. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the debate took on a new life, this time in the form of a causeway after the success of the Canso causeway between Cape Breton and Nova Scotia. The construction of a break-water style causeway between Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick and Borden, PEI began in 1956 despite a lack of evidence to support economic and technological feasibility. After a total of $15 million was spent, the construction of a causeway was halted in 1969 and instead federal funds were once again put into improving ferry services to PEI.
The topic of a fixed link was resurrected on the eve of the 1987 federal election, this time in the form of a bridge predicted to cost $900 million. On January 18, 1988, a total of 55,884 ballots were cast with 59.46% voting in favour of a fixed link.
While the topic of a fixed link never completely disappeared from Maritime politics, throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries a series of passenger, car, and rail ferries were introduced to the Island’s waters to connect Islander with the mainland. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the debate took on a new life, this time in the form of a causeway after the success of the Canso causeway between Cape Breton and Nova Scotia. The construction of a break-water style causeway between Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick and Borden, PEI began in 1956 despite a lack of evidence to support economic and technological feasibility. After a total of $15 million was spent, the construction of a causeway was halted in 1969 and instead federal funds were once again put into improving ferry services to PEI.
The topic of a fixed link was resurrected on the eve of the 1987 federal election, this time in the form of a bridge predicted to cost $900 million. On January 18, 1988, a total of 55,884 ballots were cast with 59.46% voting in favour of a fixed link.
