The historic century-old swing bridge connecting Manitoulin Island to the mainland will undergo a transformation as plans are in place to construct a new two-lane bridge with additional features such as a pedestrian walkway and a bike lane.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford revealed that the contract for the detailed design of the new bridge has been assigned to Stantec Consulting Ltd. Ford expressed urgency in the project, mentioning that initial works are underway with a planned start in the spring. The provincial government is allocating $9 million to kickstart the initiative, with the final cost yet to be disclosed.
Describing the significance of the bridge, Ford emphasized its role as the primary link for families, workers, and businesses over the past century. He highlighted the importance of the new bridge in supporting economic growth and ensuring reliable access to the highway network for the community for the next century.
The new two-lane bridge aligns with the province’s broader $30 billion strategy aimed at enhancing and expanding critical transportation infrastructure across Ontario. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria emphasized the government’s commitment to improving safety and reliability for residents and businesses in the North while fostering job creation and economic development.
In addition to the bridge project, the province announced investments in enhancing long-term care facilities on Manitoulin Island. The renovation of St. Joseph’s Lodge in Gore Bay will introduce 64 new beds across two resident home areas, with completion expected by 2027. Furthermore, funding will go towards replacing the Wikwemikong Nursing Home, which will offer 96 beds for Indigenous residents, with construction slated to commence next year.