Chief William Commanda Bridge opens over the Ottawa River
The Chief William Commanda Bridge is now open for cyclists, runners and walkers, providing a new link connecting Ottawa and Gatineau.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe announced the new multi-use pathway on the old Prince of Wales Bridge opened to the public on Friday.
"It's an interprovincial link; it goes all the way to Gatineau," Sutcliffe said in a statement.
"We've been working on this for a long time. It's a former rail bridge, of course, and it will connect the Trillium Bridge to Gatineau. Your chance to use this new recreational bridge will start today."
Sutcliffe said an official opening ceremony will be held in September.
An artist's rendering of the proposed multi-use pathway on the newly renamed Chief William Commanda Bridge over the Ottawa River. A $22.6 million refurbishment would turn the defunct rail bridge into an active transportation corridor. (Photo: City of Ottawa)
The new pedestrian bridge was originally scheduled to open last fall, but construction on the bridge was delayed due to labour shortages and supply chain issues.
The city says there is still ongoing work on the pier and the substructure of the bridge.
"Our dedicated team of engineers has given their approval to open the multi-use pathway. While using the bridge, please be mindful of the construction areas, and kindly follow all signs to ensure your safety," the city said in a statement.
The bridge just west of downtown Ottawa, built in 1880 as a railway link, hasn’t been in service since 2001. The city bought it from Canadian Pacific Railway in 2005.
The $22.6 million project included construction of a new timber deck on top of the existing rail track ties, installation of steel cable railing system, new lighting through the pathway corridor and new park benches. The federal government committed $8.6 million to the project.
Council voted in 2021 to rename the Prince of Wales Bridge the Chief William Commanda Bridge, after the Algonquin elder and spiritual leader. Commanda was chief of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation from 1951 to 1970 and was a strong supporter of environmental stewardship. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 2008.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Plane burst into flames after skidding off runway at an airport in South Korea, killing at least 47
South Korean emergency officials say that 47 people are dead after a plane caught fire during landing at an airport in the country's south.
Canadian model Dayle Haddon dies from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning
Dayle Haddon, an actor, activist and trailblazing former 'Sports Illustrated' model who pushed back against age discrimination by reentering the industry as a widow, has died in a Pennsylvania home from what authorities believe was carbon monoxide poisoning.
Trump appears to side with Musk, tech allies in debate over foreign workers roiling his supporters
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump appears to be siding with Elon Musk and his other backers in the tech industry as a dispute over immigration visas has divided his supporters.
Mississauga tow truck driver charged for impersonating a cop in northern Ont.
A southern Ontario resident has been charged for allegedly impersonating a peace officer during a towing incident in northwestern Ontario.
Vancouver man defrauded Chinese developers of US$500K, court rules
A Vancouver man has been ordered to pay more than US$500,000 after a B.C. Supreme Court judge found he had defrauded the would-be developers of a real estate project in China of that amount.
15 hurt when passenger train strikes fire truck that drove into crossing after freight train passed
Three firefighters and a dozen passengers were injured in Florida on Saturday when a fire truck drove around rail crossing arms and into the path of a high-speed passenger train after waiting for another train to pass, according to a person briefed on what happened.
G2 driver stopped going more than 100 km/h over the speed limit on Hwy. 401 in eastern Ontario
A 17-year-old driver is facing charges after being caught speeding and driving dangerously on Highway 401 in eastern Ontario Friday evening, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
If you're mentally struggling during the holidays, here’s how to cope
For many people, celebrating New Year’s Day can include reflecting on a life well lived or a chance to start anew. But for some, the holiday may have dark undertones, according to a recent large study.
Physical therapy is 'the best-kept secret in health care'
If you think physical therapy is only about rehabilitation after surgery or recovering from an accident, think again. For the vast majority, seeing a physical therapist should be about prevention, routine assessment and staying well.