Name of the Project
Berens River bridge.

Location
Ontario, Canada.

Project Owner/s
The Ontario government, in collaboration with the Whitefeather Forest Community Resource Management Authority, Pikangikum First Nation and the government of Canada.

Project Description
The project involves building a new permanent bridge over the Berens river. When completed, it will be the first major transport infrastructure project in Canada to incorporate mass-timber structural elements.

The bridge will provide an important link to Ontario’s remote north-western region.

The development is expected to create opportunities for timber harvesting in the Whitefeather Forest, provide all-season access to Pikangikum First Nation and improve winter road access for six other remote First Nation communities. It will also remove the need for the long ice crossing currently used to reach Pikangikum First Nation and the wider winter roads system. The scope of work also includes the construction of a temporary bridge on site.

Potential Job Creation
Bridge construction is expected to create well-paying jobs during the build phase. The project will also improve access to essential goods and services, enhance safety and support economic development for seven First Nation communities in north-western Ontario.

Capital Expenditure
Not stated.

Planned Start/End Date
Completion of the permanent bridge is scheduled for 2028.

Latest Developments
Preconstruction activities are in progress and include the appointment of subcontractors, mobilisation to site and the completion of shop drawings. The blasting of aggregate is also under way to produce the material needed for site preparation.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
MD Steele (main bridge contractor and will oversee construction of the engineered mass-timber bridge).

Contact Details for Project Information
Government of Ontario Minister’s office, Sam McCormick, email sam.mccormick@ontario.ca.
Government of Ontario media relations communications branch, email mediadesk.MNEDG@ontario.ca.