QUEBEC — A new bridge in Montreal will not bear the name of hockey great Maurice Richard.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Denis Lebel says the name of the Canadiens legend is no longer in the running at the request of Richard's family.
Controversy erupted recently when reports surfaced that Lebel had chosen Richard's name for the new bridge, which is set to open in 2018.
The structure will replace the Champlain Bridge, which is named after famed explorer Samuel de Champlain.
Lebel is insisting, however, that the structure will not necessarily bear the name of the father of New France because a final decision has yet to be made.
The current Champlain Bridge was built in 1962 and is one of the busiest in Canada, linking Montreal with its populous south shore.
