By Rosalind Russell – A Manitoulin Island mayor is pushing for the timeline to build a new bridge to the Island to be sped up.
Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Mayor Al MacNevin says in August there were at least three instances when the Swing Bridge in Little Current required repairs and was unavailable to vehicular traffic in either direction on Highway Six.
He says the latest breakdown also prevented marine traffic from passing through the North Channel for a 24-hour period.
MacNevin says everyone is frustrated and the process to replace it has been slow.
He adds a major push is underway with lobbying, fundraising petitions and contact with ministers and Premier Ford to get the design plans finalized and begin construction emphasizing the bridge is the only structure connecting the mainland with the Island.
MacNevin says it was announced last summer that the funding is in place, so they are hoping to see the project commence construction as soon as possible.
The bridge is owned by the Province of Ontario and managed and operated by the Ministry of Transportation.
MacNevin says the municipality has repeatedly met with senior staff and ministers regarding these mechanical failures to emphasize the need to ensure the reliable flow of traffic on and off Manitoulin Island adding their concerns have been acknowledged, and the meetings cordial.
In the summer of 2023, Minister Rickford announced the Treasury Board had set aside the funds for the replacement of the bridge and that the next step in the process was to move to detail design. Detail design is required prior to going to tender for construction, as it provides the engineered drawings required for tender purposes.
As a result of the latest bridge failures many community members have undertaken various initiatives to encourage the Ontario government to move this project forward.
MacNevin says the municipality will continue to work with other Island communities and First Nations to encourage the province to prioritize the project, recognizing its importance as a vital link on a Provincial Highway that enables the flow of people, emergency vehicles and goods and services for the citizens of Manitoulin Island.
For additional Information contact: amacneyjn@townofnerni.onca or call 705 348-1951
Photo: The Swing Bridge by Rosalind Russell
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