Consultation
Agency and public consultation will take places throughout the Detail Design and Class EA Study. The Consultation Plan will include:
- Notice of Detail Design Study Commencement
- Consultation with regulatory agencies
- Communication with Indigenous communities
- Community Information Sharing Sessions for Indigenous communities
- Communication with property owners, residents, and businesses in the study area
- One Public Information Centre (PIC)
- Preparation of a Design and Construction Report (DCR) and Notice of DCR 30-day public comment period
The graphic below shows the key consultation events planned for this project.
The PIC is tentatively scheduled for Fall 2026 to present background information, the study process, design refinements to the Recommended Plan, bridge aesthetic options, and may include salvage, relocation and commemoration options for the existing bridge. It will provide an opportunity to discuss issues or concerns directly with members of the project team.
As part of the consultation program for this project, an Advisory Bridge Group (ABG) has been established and includes municipal staff members and representatives from local business and heritage organizations and representatives of Indigenous communities. The ABG workshops will assist the project team in developing an in-depth understanding of the local cultural, historic, and community context which will help guide the development of heritage commemoration options and the bridge aesthetic components of the new replacement bridge. The Recommended Plan identified in the Preliminary Design completed in 2023, is a new through-truss swing bridge and is being carried forward into the Detail Design study. The ABG workshops will present and gather input on minor aesthetic refinements and heritage conservation and commemoration opportunities, including ways to reflect local history and community identity in the Recommended Plan of a new through-truss swing bridge.
A Design and Construction Report (DCR) will be prepared to document the project's design, environmental considerations, and proposed construction activities, as required under the Class Environmental Assessment process for Group 'A' projects. Once completed, the DCR will be made available for a 30-day review and comment period.
All notices will be published in the following local newspapers:
- The Manitoulin Expositor
The notices will also be posted on this website and sent directly to all contacts on the project mailing list.
Stakeholder input will be incorporated into the project findings and recommendations as appropriate.
Contact the project team if you wish to be added to our mailing list.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this Detail Design and Class EA Study.
How will the public be involved during the study?
To make sure that all interested members of the public are contacted, an extensive notification process will include announcements in newspapers and letters to agencies, stakeholders, Indigenous communities and property owners.
The public will be invited to attend one Public Information Centre (PIC). The PIC is tentatively scheduled for Fall 2026 and will include the background information, the study process, design refinements to the Recommended Plan, bridge aesthetic options, and may include salvage, relocation and commemoration options for the existing bridge. It will provide an opportunity to discuss issues or concerns directly with members of the project team. Displays and presentation materials will become available on this site following the PIC. Invitations to the PIC will be broadly advertised in local newspapers and notifications will be sent via email and mail to all individuals on the project mailing list.
In addition, this project website has been developed for the project and interested parties can submit their comments via the website (Contact the Project Team). This website will provide general project information, updates and notices of upcoming meetings and milestones and will also host all project reports. The project mailing list will be updated throughout the study.
Will access to private property be required during the study?
Stantec and its sub consultants will require access to some private property to undertake field investigation work in support of the study. In these locations, permission to enter will be requested from the property owners. The Ministry’s staff, consultant, or sub-consultants will not enter private property without prior consent from the property owner.
How do I get involved in this study?
To receive direct notification regarding study milestones, please contact the Project Team at [email protected].
What is the timing for construction?
This project is currently in the Detail Design stage and construction is anticipated to take place in 2028, pending funding, regulatory permits and approvals.