Federal government pledges sixth bridge over Ottawa River by 2034

The federal government is pledging to build a bridge over Kettle Island by 2034, though opponents are calling it a "political ploy."

The idea has come and gone before. A plan using the same route fell through in 2013. 

But Gatineau MP Steven MacKinnon is confident this time will be different.

During a press conference on Thursday, he laid out his arguments for a sixth link connecting Ottawa and Gatineau, saying it will spur economic growth, ease commutes and reroute truck traffic that clogs up the downtown.

"We've all seen the double-stacked lumber trucks rumbling by the Shepherds of Good Hope, and we've all recoiled at that very thought for too long [that] we've chosen not to solve that problem," MacKinnon said. "Today we are solving that problem."

The government committed to the bridge in last year's fall economic statement but provided little detail apart from the route. It would connect Gatineau's Montée Paiement to the Aviation Parkway. 

MacKinnon said pre-construction work will begin in earnest, including an impact study, design, site preparation, and the development of a procurement strategy, all of which will wrap up by 2028.

"For those who say, 'It's a promise without resources,' no," he insisted. "There is a sum of $221 million devoted to this."

But the actual construction phase would cost much more. The last estimate, from years ago, was $1.8 billion. 

MacKinnon said the bridge will be ready for service by 2032 or, at the latest, 2034.

Lingering doubts

The Kettle Island route previously attracted opposition from neighbouring residents, who feared the bridge would pour truck traffic into east-end neighbourhoods like Manor Park. That opposition remains.

Manor Park Community Association president Natalie Belovic said diverting truck traffic onto a new route would simply shift the problem without solving it, "ruining and polluting more neighbourhoods." She noted long-term care homes and the Montfort Hospital are both along the route.

But MacKinnon promised the National Capital Commission will "consult diligently" with affected communities.

"This bridge will not be without controversy," he said. "No infrastructure project is … What we need to reassure people is that it will solve many, many, many more problems than it will create. It will be done with the greatest possible sensitivity to regions, to neighbourhoods"

At least three city councillors from Gatineau attended the press conference, but no Ottawa councillors were present. MacKinnon acknowledged that impetus for the project comes from the Quebec side.

There's a simple explanation, MacKinnon continued: With more people than jobs in Gatineau, they're far more likely to face the traffic headaches of commuting over the existing bridges.

The last bridge erected over the Ottawa River, the Portage Bridge, was completed in 1973. At that time, MacKinnon noted, the population of the region was 600,000. It is now over 1.3 million.

Some Ottawa support

The project has received some support from Ottawa. Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stéphanie Plante signed a joint statement backing it. Betsy Schuurman, chair of Action Sandy Hill, said she's thrilled to see forward progress.

"I think we're closer than we ever have been before and I know that members of the Sandy Hill community are really passionate about a new bridge and having different transportation projects in the region," she said.

Schuurman said seeing logging trucks thundering through her community makes her ask, "what century am I in?" Removing those trucks could be a chance to revitalize her neighbourhood, she added. 

"I think it will really improve the street feel. It will open opportunities for businesses and cafes. We could turn it into something really beautiful in that area and just reclaim the streets … make Rideau and King Edward Avenue a place where people want to be."

But Beacon Hill-Cyrville Coun. Tim Tierney called the bridge plan a "pipe dream." 

He said it could have a "massive impact" on Manor Park and that the government should start the whole process again instead of moving forward with the Kettle Island route.

"I would question, with a possible government change, if this is more or less than just people trying to save their skin in an upcoming federal election," he said.

Belovic agreed.

"I think it's actually a political ploy for Steve MacKinnon on the Gatineau side to try to ensure that he's going to keep his riding," she said.