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. George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, made the announcement Tuesday in Little Current, along with Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg. “It’s just a very important milestone in the construction of the new bridge,” Pirie said. “Getting this new bridge, from my point of view, really speaks to how important this local economy is to the province and to our country. You need modern infrastructure to ensure that the economy thrives. And that starts with the bridge.” Rosenberg said he receives multiple calls from residents asking about the bridge. “Ever since I’ve been elected, there hasn’t been a day go by with somebody that doesn’t ask about the bridge,” he said. “The potential for when it’s going to start -- we all know that this kind of project doesn’t happen overnight.” Rosenberg said work has been done in the last month. “We’ve had divers in for seismic testing and wave testing, and so it’s all part of the process, and I think it’s a giant step forward,” he said. Last fall, the province awarded a detailed design contract for a new two-lane swing bridge. Under discussion for a decade “This bridge has been discussed for the last 10 years, at least in terms of the process to get it replaced. And people have struggled with it failing many times,” said Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Mayor Al MacNevin. “We’re affected more than just the rest of the island. We all have the same issues about the bridge failing, but for us, it means pulling our people off their jobs and directing traffic when the bridge goes into a problem situation.” MacNevin, who’s been advocating for a replacement for years, said the news is welcome but long-awaited. Pirie said detailed design plans have to be finalized before a construction date can be announced. “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, in the news release. “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.
