Little Current Swing Bridge to be replaced after 110 years

The Little Current Swing Bridge was dedicated to OPP Const. Marc Hovingh, who died in the line of duty in 2020. His bravery was honoured with a citation for preventing further harm. A ceremony was held on Sept. 4, 2026, on Manitoulin Island. (Source: Ontario Provincial Police Association/Facebook | Image Credit: OPP Photographer Dann Tardif)

The province is taking a big step to replace the Little Current Swing Bridge with the naming of a construction manager, EllisDon, for the project.

“The new bridge will replace the existing bridge on Highway 6 connecting Manitoulin Island to the mainland,” the province said in a news release Tuesday.

“Replacing the Little Current Swing Bridge will protect this critical connection to Manitoulin Island, support good-paying jobs in the region and keep families,” Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria said in a release.

“Investments in northern infrastructure, including this bridge and the four-laning of Highways 11 and 17, are essential to the safety, reliability and long-term prosperity of our communities, province and country,” said Dave Plourde, president of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities.

“As the Island’s only year-round road crossing, it supports access to jobs, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities across the region,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth.

The existing bridge is the only road crossing to Manitoulin Island and a vital connection for residents, businesses and visitors.