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Breaking News
The Bridge Committee has been following the news closely for the release of the new Federal Budget, which finally occurred on Tuesday, November 4th. Here is what we gathered:
Canada’s Federal Budget 2025 did not announce new funding or a specific new commitment for an additional Ottawa-Gatineau bridge, as the federal government had already committed to the project in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement.
Key details regarding the bridge project as of 2025:
Prior Commitment: The commitment to build a sixth interprovincial bridge in the east end (Montée Paiement— Aviation Parkway Corridor) was made in the previous fall’s economic statement.
Funding: The government had already pledged $221 million for the planning, design, and site preparation work, which is underway in 2025.
Status in 2025: Throughout 2025, various announcements were made regarding the next phases of the project, including conducting impact studies, developing the design, and preparing a procurement strategy.
Timeline: Construction is currently expected to begin between 2032 and 2034, with the bridge potentially opening by 2034. The actual construction costs will be much higher than the current planning funds and would be detailed in future budgets.
Project Context
New Eastern Bridge planned for Montée Paiement–Aviation Parkway Corridor.
Led by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) with support from the National Capital Commission (NCC).
Goal: improve interprovincial connectivity in the National Capital Region.
Public Participation (Phase 1)
Online survey (June–July 2025) → 5,113 responses.
Public Advisory Group meetings held in Ontario, Quebec, and Environment & Sustainable Transportation.
Feedback will shape planning/design principles and inform Initial Project Description (submission Winter 2026).
Key Benefits Identified
Reduced truck traffic downtown (~38–40%).
Shorter commute times (~18–20%).
Better public transit options (~14%).
Reduced traffic, noise, and accidents in downtown communities (~51%).
Main Concerns
Traffic impacts on neighbourhoods (~25–50%).
Construction impacts (noise, disruption, displacement).
Congestion on nearby roads (~17%).
Property values & taxes (25–29%).
Environmental impacts: river/riverbed (~24–26%), water pollution (~10–11%), greenhouse gas emissions (~13%).
Suggested Mitigation Measures
Dedicated lanes for public transit, biking, walking.
Traffic calming in adjacent neighbourhoods.
Soundproofing routes to reduce noise.
Green building materials, noise barriers, stormwater management.
Coordination with businesses to reduce construction disruption.
Regional Differences
Quebec: transit integration, climate resilience, Francophone community support.
Ontario: pedestrian/cyclist connections, minimizing neighbourhood traffic impacts, property value concerns.
Planning & Design Principles
Connected Locally & Regionally → truck movement, transit integration, active transportation.
Sustainable & Resilient → environmental protection, climate adaptation.
Safe & Equitable → minimize resident impacts, ensure safety, equity.
Functional & Responsive → address population growth, adapt to conditions.
Next Steps
Fall 2025: updated planning/design principles shared with public & stakeholders.
Spring 2026: next round of public participation on early design concepts.
Winter 2026: submission of Initial Project Description to Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.
Please go to the "In the Media" tab for related articles on the Eastern Bridge Project (in the language of the original document). Google searches can also lead to relevant additional information.
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