Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge Restoration is nearing Completion

News Release

Project made possible thanks to federal Gas Tax Fund

September 11, 2014 – Kenora, Ontario – Infrastructure Canada

Motorists will soon benefit from improved traffic flow and increased safety thanks to the newly rehabilitated Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge. The bridge is a key structure on Highway 17A and is required to keep transcontinental traffic moving safely when Highway 17 is closed.

The rehabilitation of the bridge will significantly extend the life of the bridge. It will also make every day commuting safer and easier for the residents and visitors of Kenora, as well as those passing through on their way to other destinations.

The work on the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge involved the rehabilitation of the concrete and steel components and support structures located below the deck surface of the bridge, the strengthening of the concrete approach and the repainting of the steel bridge components. The work also addressed urgently needed repairs due to corrosion.

Quick facts

The Government of Canada is contributing over $3 million to this project's total cost of more than $5 million through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
The Province of Ontario is contributing $2 million through the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative.
To date, a total of almost $6.3 million has been made available to the City of Kenora through the Gas Tax Fund.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to have supported the rehabilitation of the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge, a key link on the Trans-Canada Highway 17 and an investment in traveller safety. The reconstruction of the bridge will help make driving easier and safer not only for the residents of Kenora but also for the thousands of trans-national motorists who travel along the highway every day. Our Government's investments through the federal Gas Tax Fund will continue to generate economic growth and job creation here in Kenora and across Canada for years to come."

- The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Kenora

"Ontario's commitment to a municipal infrastructure strategy is providing communities like Kenora with stable funding for roads, bridges and other important infrastructure investments. I look forward to the completion of all projects under Ontario's new 10-year economic plan, which includes $130 billion in infrastructure investments that will create jobs and help our communities grow and prosper."

- The Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure

"With 17 vehicular bridges in total in our municipality the challenges of maintaining this type of massive infrastructure for a City our size is not feasible without assistance from the Provincial and Federal Governments. This funding has allowed the municipality to complete critical works on a key piece of infrastructure within the City of Kenora and we are fortunate to have the support of the government with this vital funding."

- His Worship David Canfield, Mayor, City of Kenora

"Ontario municipalities rely on the federal Gas Tax Fund to build, repair, replace and improve local infrastructure. Through our unique federal-municipal partnership, local councils identify and invest in local priorities which helps our communities prosper."

- Gary McNamara, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario

Associated links

To find out more about the federal Gas Tax Fund
To learn more about Ontario's support for municipal infrastructure
City of Kenora
For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan
To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada's Economic Action Plan

Contacts

Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838

Andrew Forgione
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
416-212-4217

Heather Kasprick
Manager of Legislative Services/Communications
City of Kenora
807-467-2295

Brian Lambie
Media Contact
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
416-729-5425

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada

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Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge Restoration is nearing Completion

News Release

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