Construction is officially underway on an interprovincial multi-use pathway between the Ottawa and Gatineau shores of the Kìchì Sìbì Ottawa River.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson was among those on hand at a groundbreaking event to mark the start of construction on the Chief William Commanda Bridge project.

“Our region has one of the best urban trail systems found anywhere, and this project will incorporate the Chief William Commanda Bridge into that network,” Watson said. “When the multi-use pathway opens next fall, it’s sure to become a popular active transportation corridor, linking a network of pathways and public transit on both sides of the river, and providing residents with more environmentally-friendly commuting options.”

Construction work should last about a year. The scope of work includes rehabilitating the 140-year old bridge’s major structural components to ensure safety and accessibility. It also involves building a new timber deck on top of the existing track, to maintain the steel rails for future rail transit use. A steel-cable railing system and high-efficiency LED lighting will be installed, plus 12 new benches for rest areas.

The work also includes construction of path segments linking the south end of the bridge to Ottawa’s Trillium Pathway (which connects to the O-Train’s Bayview Station) and the north end to the National Capital Commission’s Voyageurs’ Pathway in Gatineau.

The multi-use pathway is scheduled to open next fall, although additional rehabilitation work to the piers and the pathway connecting to Lemieux Island will continue until the summer of 2024.

Aecon Construction Ontario East was the project’s apparent low bidder in September.

The City of Ottawa is working in partnership with the federal government to fund the $22.6-million project. Ottawa is investing $14 million in the work, with the federal government contributing $8.6 million. Two percent of the pathway construction budget has also been allocated to commission Algonquin art for the site.

“Today, we are one step closer to being able to access a new active transportation crossing which will serve to reduce our emissions, and provide new opportunities for residents to cycle, walk and wheel between Ottawa and Gatineau,” said Ottawa Centre MP Yasir Naqvi. “As we celebrate the start of construction of this bridge, we honour the late Chief William Commanda and his legacy. It is through continued partnerships and collaboration with Indigenous communities, that we will further advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples."

Built in 1880 as a railway link, the bridge was last in service in 2001. The City of Ottawa purchased the bridge from Canadian Pacific Railway in 2005 for a future light rail corridor. As a multi-use pathway, it will improve active transportation between Ottawa and Gatineau and serve as a year-round outdoor link for commuting and recreation, including walking, running, rollerblading, cycling, and cross-country skiing.

In July, Ottawa City Council approved the name Chief William Commanda Bridge to honour William Commanda who served as Chief of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation from 1951 to 1970. Chief Commanda was an Algonquin Elder, spiritual leader, promoter of environmental stewardship and a great bridge builder between nations.