Prince of Wales Bridge renamed after Algonquin elder as council approves rehab funding
The Prince of Wales Bridge that spans the Ottawa River via Lemieux Island has been officially renamed after an Algonquin elder and spiritual leader, as the City of Ottawa takes steps to turn the bridge into a corridor for walking, biking, and even cross-country skiing.
City council approved renaming the defunct rail bridge the Chief William Commanda Bridge on Wednesday.
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.
Council has also approved funding to rehabilitate the bridge—currently off-limits to the public—into a multi-use pathway connecting Ottawa and Gatineau until such a time as it becomes a rail bridge again, which remains the city's ultimate goal.
Council approved more than $8.9 million in municipal funding on Wednesday, to cover the balance of the city’s commitment to the $22.6 million project. The city had already budgeted $5 million to repair the bridge's piers.
The city has applied for federal funding to cover the remainder of the costs. The federal government is expected to announce its share in the coming weeks.
In addition, the city says it will dedicate one per cent of the estimated construction cost to Indigenous art.
Off-limits
The bridge has been a popular destination, despite technically being off-limits to the public, but this has sometimes resulted in tragedy. Two people have died since 2020 after jumping into the river from the bridge.
The plan to convert the bridge into a multi-use pathway would include new railings, but it’s unclear what else would be done to prevent people from jumping off of it.
Construction to start this year: mayor
A timeline for construction has not yet been officially approved. Staff say the project is ready to be tendered and more information will be available once a contract is awarded.
However, Mayor Jim Watson told reporters Wednesday that he expects construction on the rehabilitation to begin this year.
Speaking in French, Watson estimated it would take about a year to complete the project.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.