Feds turn to RAIC for design advice on Alexandra Bridge replacement
As part of its process to replace the Alexandra Bridge, the federal government turned to the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) for design advice.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) announced that it has partnered with the RAIC to provide professional guidance throughout the elaboration of design solutions and to ensure the new bridge design meets the highest possible design standards and incorporates important considerations that Canadians share.
"The Alexandra Bridge is a national historic site in the National Capital Region, connecting communities on both sides of the Ottawa River,” said PSPC Minister Jean-Yves Duclos. “The Independent Review Panel will help ensure the new design creates a more reliable and sustainable bridge that also highlights the unique setting of the existing bridge, respects the integrity of the national capital's cultural landscapes, and reflects Canadian values and identity."
Through its own expression of interest, the RAIC has assembled a panel that comprises experts in multiple disciplines: Indigenous culture and values, heritage preservation, architecture, engineering and urban planning.
Its members include:
Thierry Delémont Geneva, Switzerland
Prof. Dr Walter Kaufmann Zurich, Switzerland
Brian MacKay-Lyons O.C Halifax, Nova Scotia
David Fortin Métis Nation of Ontario, Waterloo, Ontario
Barry Padolsky Ottawa, Ontario
Hassan Saffarini Toronto, Ontario
Naomi Ratte Winnipeg, Manitoba/Ottawa, Ontario
George Dark Toronto, Ontario
Russell Loveridge Zurich, Switzerland/Ottawa, Ontario
Nathalie Desrosiers Merrickville, Ontario
Michael Leckman Toronto, Ontario
RAIC Professional Advisors: Silvio Baldassarra and Thierry Montpetit
The panel will examine design options created by the technical advisor and provide expert advice on critical aspects of the project, including recommendations on the preferred concept design.
The public will be able to participate in the design process through consultations expected to begin this spring. Results and feedback received from the public consultations activities will also be shared with the Independent Review Panel for their consideration. Local Indigenous communities will also be consulted throughout the design process.
The National Capital Commission (NCC) will review the recommended design concept as part of its regulatory federal approval authority.
The Alexandra Bridge is more than 120 years old and is nearing the end of its lifecycle. Past and present rehabilitations have not improved the overall condition of the structure and despite all this work, the bridge continues to deteriorate, which will continue to result in more frequent closures to perform the necessary rehabilitation and repair work.
To improve transportation between Ontario and Quebec, the government mandated the replacement of the Alexandra Bridge in Budget 2019.
In June 2021, the NCC's Board of Directors approved the planning and design principles for the replacement of the Alexandra Bridge. The principles provide guidance in the areas of planning, heritage protection, urban design and sustainability.
While the bridge replacement project continues, PSPC is carrying out repair work to keep the Alexandra Bridge in service and safe for commuters. Work started in fall 2023, and the bridge is currently closed to vehicular traffic. Work is expected to be completed in summer 2025.