New Champlain Bridge Corridor Project: Creating a wetland in the Îles de la Paix archipelago and protecting its shores against erosion
News Release
May 12, 2017—Montreal (Quebec)
The Government of Canada believes in the importance of protecting our natural environment while still supporting vital infrastructure projects that foster the economic growth of the Canadian middle class.
That is why the Government of Canada is investing more than three million dollars in the Îles de la Paix National Wildlife Area, located in Lake Saint-Louis, to create and reclaim wetlands and habitats suitable for migratory birds, as well as to protect the shoreline against erosion. This project intends to offset the loss of natural environment resulting from the construction of the new Champlain Bridge.
The project will create an aquatic plant marsh and a shrub swamp, as well as improve the wooded swamp for the benefit of a diversity of wildlife, including migratory birds, thereby offsetting the loss of 2.2 hectares in surface area.
In addition, the construction of breakwaters and the consolidation of the archipelago shoreline through revegetation techniques will protect the shoreline against erosion.
Working in close collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada and Public Services and Procurement Canada, and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Infrastructure Canada intends to bring the Îles de la Paix project to fruition.
The project conforms to the principles of the Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation as well as the Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations of the Department of the Environment and Climate Change.
Quotes
“This project demonstrates how the Government of Canada, by working in close collaboration with the local community, and key stakeholders and partners, will ensure that the new Champlain Bridge will be built in a sustainable manner, all while protecting and preserving our natural environment. We recognize the importance of building strong partnerships with all levels of government to support infrastructure and create good, well-paying jobs that can help the middle class grow and prosper today.”
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“The Society for the Protection of Parc des Îles-de-la-Paix, a volunteer organization, has been fundraising since 1991 to save the Îles de la Paix, which have lost more than 70% of their surface area. Over a period of 25 years, we have succeeded in saving half the archipelago. We are very pleased with Infrastructure Canada’s announcement of their plans to conserve the remaining surface area of the Islands. This is an amazing commitment to the environment and future generations.”
Richard Boursier, President, Society for the Protection of Parc des Îles-de-la-Paix
Quick Facts
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An initial call for tenders was issued in April for the project’s design. The call for tenders to select a supplier will be launched in fall 2018, with work slated to start in fall 2018 or in 2019.
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The Îles de la Paix are part of the Îles de la Paix National Wildlife Area. They represent a unique ecosystem for a variety of plant and animal species in an urbanized area. In fact, they are home to several plant species, some of which are at risk. The islands and their wetlands also welcome thousands of birds during nesting and roosting season, as well as during their migration.
Associated Links
Contacts
Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
Tel.: 613-219-0149
Brook.Simpson@canada.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_fra
Website: Infrastructure Canada
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