The Ontario government has named a construction manager for the Little Current Swing Bridge replacement project.
The company, EllisDon, has been awarded the contract, but no other details are being released at this time.
EllisDon was established on April 1, 1951, by brothers Don Smith and David Ellis Smith in London, Ontario, starting with just four employees and now is a global leader in construction.
The company name combines “Ellis” from David Ellis Smith and “Don” from Don Smith.
The new bridge will replace the existing bridge on Highway 6 connecting Manitoulin Island to the mainland, providing reliable, year-round access to the provincial highway network and making it easier for workers and families to connect to jobs, housing and essential services.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making historic investments to build and strengthen the highways and bridges northern communities rely on,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Replacing the Little Current Swing Bridge will protect this critical connection to Manitoulin Island, support good-paying jobs in the region and keep families.”
Located on Highway 6 in the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, the existing 110-year-old bridge is the only road crossing to Manitoulin Island and a vital connection for residents, businesses and visitors. Last fall, the province awarded a detailed design contract for a new two-lane swing bridge to maintain reliable, year-round access to Manitoulin Island. Construction of the new bridge will support good-paying local jobs, and drive economic growth across the region.
“The Little Current Swing Bridge is a vital connection for Manitoulin Island residents, businesses, and visitors. 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. “Our government is proud to be taking another important step toward replacing this critical piece of infrastructure while preserving its iconic swing bridge design. This investment will help keep people and goods moving safely and reliably for decades to come, while protecting the unique character of this important gateway to Manitoulin Island.”
Today’s announcement builds on the government’s ongoing work to better connect Ontario’s communities, including a $31 billion investment to repair and expand highways, roads and bridges across the province. This includes major highway projects across Northern Ontario, such as upgrading Highway 17 from Echo Bay to Highway 548, four-laning the Trans-Canada Highway from Thunder Bay to Nipigon and from Kenora to the Manitoba border, and widening Highway 69 between Parry Sound and Sudbury.
“The Constable Marc Hovingh Minjimennikaade Memorial Bridge is a critical infrastructure to connect Manitoulin Island to the mainland. This vital year-round corridor serves residents, businesses, visitors and transporters with a dependable and accessible route,” said Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma – Manitoulin. “This investment by the Province of Ontario ensures a strong and prosperous future for Manitoulin Island and Algoma-Manitoulin.”
The government is investing more than $236 billion through its plan to build Ontario, including historic investments in road and highway infrastructure in Northern Ontario to support economic growth, help drivers get around safely and keep workers on the job.
