An inner-city councillor is standing behind the controversial Peace Bridge project despite another setback.

The bridge's opening has been delayed for a third time, this time over concerns about the welding work completed in Spain. But Ald. John Mar of Ward 8 is confident the project won't cost taxpayers any more money.

"This is a fixed-price contract," said Mar, who supported the project when it was first before council and continues to stand behind it.

"I support the theory of it - right now, it's tainted, it's in great difficulty in terms of the execution, but the theory of it and why it was built."

The bridge was supposed to open this summer, but the city announced Friday the opening is on hold due to welding concerns.

The news doesn't come as a surprise to many Calgarians.

"Same old, same old, right from the get go," said Allen Routh, a longtime resident of Sunnyside.

But Routh says he is worried about rising costs and hopes the project is done sooner rather than later.

The latest problem concerns the bridge's welding work, said Mac Logan, the city's transportation manager.

"We're not seeing an even joint between joining the two plates of metal," he said. "And the ones we're most concerned about are in the structural elements at the top and the bottom of the bridge that carry the highest loads. Those are the ones we're focusing our investigation on."

The pieces were welded in Spain and Graham Construction is putting it together in Calgary.

Logan says the city is working with the local company to ensure the work meets quality standards.

The welding problems do not pose a safety risk, but rather could affect the longevity of the bridge, the city says.

The Peace Bridge has been controversial from the very beginning with its $25-million price tag and the fact that it was outsourced to a Spanish designer and subcontractor.

Still, some people accept this latest setback.

"It's a complicated project so you have to kind of expect problems," said Pat Johnstone.

"I think it's a great project. Finish it up and I think it's a great project for Calgary," said Jim Britton. "If it takes a little longer, costs a few more bucks, that's the way she works."