The Ontario government has announced a $9-milllion dollar investment in replacing the Little Current Swing Bridge, the only land road connecting the mainland to Manitoulin Island by awarding a contract for the detailed design of a new, modern two-lane structure.
The new bridge will replace the aging 110-year-old swing bridge on Highway 6 and will include the addition of two traffic lanes, a pedestrian walkway and a bike lane, ensuring safer and more reliable access for residents, visitors, and businesses year-round. Ontario Premier Doug Ford was on Manitoulin Island yesterday afternoon to make the announcement emphasizing the bridge’s importance, not only to the people who access or live on the Island, but also the mainland population that visits the Island.
“As Manitoulin Island’s only road crossing, the Little Current Swing Bridge has been a crucial link for families, workers and businesses for over a century,” says Ford.
“By building a new and wider bridge, we’re supporting the community’s continued economic growth and ensuring residents have reliable year-round access to our province’s highway network for the next 110 years.”
The contract for the detailed design has been awarded to Stantec Consulting Ltd., marking the next phase in the bridge replacement project. Ford was accompanied by several of his ministers and local governance for the announcement.
The province completed the planning, preliminary design, and environmental assessment for the replacement in September 2023. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria says the new design will ensure safety, reliability, and long-term growth.
“Our government is investing in the critical infrastructure that keeps Ontario moving,” Sarkaria she says.
“With detail design underway, we’re taking the next step to get a new bridge built, improving safety and reliability for residents and businesses in the North, while supporting good-paying jobs and economic growth.”
The project is part of Ontario’s $30 billion plan to build, repair, and expand critical transportation infrastructure, and fits within the government’s broader $200 billion “Plan to Build Ontario” — which includes major investments in Northern Ontario roads and highways.
Minister of Northern Development George Pirie highlighted both the cultural and economic importance of the project.
“The Little Current Swing Bridge is not only an iconic landmark in the community, but also a vital link for residents, tourists, businesses and emergency services.
“Our government is investing in the replacement of this bridge to bring a key piece of the past into the future — keeping Manitoulin Island connected and ensuring people and goods can move safely, efficiently and reliably in the North.” Algoma–Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg had made the bridge a priority when he was elected and admits he pushed hard for it over the last year, not only due to calls from the motoring public and residents, but also because the bridge has had recent closures, which has affected everyone, especially vital services, including police and ambulance.
He calls the bridge “an essential lifeline,” while Mayor Al MacNevin of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands expressed excitement about the long-awaited progress.
“Our community is thrilled by the efforts to complete this project,” says MacNevin.
“People will benefit from an improved, safe and reliable bridge that is the only year-round access point to Manitoulin Island.” Anishinabek Nation Grand Chief Linda Debassige and Indigenous Minister, Greg Rickford were also in attendance and expressed their support of the project, which they hope to see come to fruition quickly.
Traffic to Manitoulin is steady throughout the year, but during peak summer months, the Little Current Swing Bridge handles approximately over 4,500 vehicles per day.
Ford adds if he had a shovel, he would have broken the ground on the new project but is looking forward to its completion.
He says the work will begin right away and work commences next Spring.
However, there was no time limit given on how long it would take to build, and no discussion as to what will happen to the historical old one still in use.
Some members of the audience, there were around 80 people in attendance want the bridge to be preserved and put on display as a standalone tourist attraction, an idea they say they will float to their MPP, and to Premier Ford.
Photos by Rosalind Russell and/or provided
