Tiny, rare fish and mollusks halt $23-million city bridge project
Federal fisheries officials want the city to come up with a better way forward
The presence of rare species of fish and mollusks living in the Thames River near the heart of the city has temporarily halted a $23-million bridge project.
Construction on Victoria Bridge, more commonly known as the Ridout Street bridge, was supposed to start in the spring, but work has been temporarily halted over concerns heavy construction could disrupt the habitat of at-risk species of fish and mussels living in the water.
The bridge was slated to be complete in May 2023, but now that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) officials have halted work, Jennie Dann, the city's director of construction and infrastructure services, wouldn't say how far back the snafu would delay the project.
Instead, she said the city, which recently declared a climate emergency, has a duty to work with federal officials to find a more environmentally sensitive way forward.
Thames home to 15 species of endangered mussel
Dann said what's raised concern at the DFO is how construction could affect the silver shiner minnow, a fish species listed as endangered by the Ontario government and an unspecified species of at-risk fresh water mussel.
"We had a solid plan and we're learning now we could make some adjustments to that."
She said the city is now working with federal fisheries authorities to find a better way forward, one that would ensure construction crews could still do their work while at the same time minimizing disruption to the nearby ecosystem.
"We've learned we can use a little more work in how we can protect the river," she said. "So we're working with the Department of Fisheries to find the best solution to move the project forward."
As of last year, the Thames River was home to 35 species of freshwater mussels, more than a dozen of which are listed as endangered. Many of these species, according to conservation officials, are killed when large amounts of sediment in the water clogs their gills and causes them to suffocate.
Work waiting on federal approvals
It's why Dann said city and federal officials are trying to work toward a solution that involves entering the water as little as possible in order to avoid churning up sediment.
"Our goal is to confirm the best way to do this environmentally-sensitive work and protect the habitat of at-risk species in the area," she said.
DFO officials confirmed Tuesday they were working on a request for comment from CBC News, but the response was not received by publication time.
Once federal officials give the city the go-ahead, crews can start installing a temporary pedestrian bridge that's currently waiting to be installed at the Thames Park tennis courts, Dann said.
After that, work can begin on moving water and sewer mains from the old structure to the temporary structure. Removal of the Ridout Street bridge can finally begin after that.