Modern and efficient bridges and roadways are crucial to encouraging and supporting economic activity, facilitating trade, and creating well-paying, middle class jobs. The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing in well-planned infrastructure that will improve community connectivity and ensure the continuous and safe flow of people and goods across road networks.

Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and His Worship Bryan Paterson, Mayor of the City of Kingston, today announced joint funding of more than $180 million for Kingston’s third crossing bridge project.

The governments of Canada and Ontario are each contributing up to $60 million to this project through the Provincial and Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects. The City of Kingston is responsible for the balance of the funding.

The project involves building a new, two-lane bridge over the Great Cataraqui River, connecting the east and west sides of Kingston, almost halfway between Highway 401 and the LaSalle Causeway. The bridge will include options for shared and active transportation, including a multi-use pedestrian and bike pathway, sidewalks and cycle lanes on the road approaches, as well as connections to future waterfront trails. This new bridge will help alleviate congestion, improve emergency response, and help residents get to work on time and back home safely at the end of a long day.

Ontario is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, public transit, roads and bridges in the province’s history. To learn more go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

Quotes

“This investment will have a significant positive impact in our community and will help improve how Kingston residents and visitors move around the city. Traffic congestion on the bridges has been a long-standing challenge in Kingston and I’m pleased that the federal government, along with our provincial and municipal partners, are working together to bring this critically important project to fruition.”

Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Investing in the third crossing bridge will have a significant impact on improving the daily commute and quality of life for families in Kingston. This key project will provide the City of Kingston with efficient alternate options for travelling and make it easier for people and goods to move throughout the city.”

Sophie Kiwala, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Kathryn McGarry, Ontario Minister of Transportation

“Kingston’s Third Crossing is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by the city. It’s also our largest transportation investment in our city’s history. I’m thrilled that we have confirmed the support of our partners at the other orders of government. Projects like this don’t happen without our municipal, provincial and federal governments working together. We are incredibly appreciative of this investment and look forward to working together to make this project a reality. After 50+ years of studies, council decisions and community engagement, we are building this bridge – this is a huge moment for our community.”

His Worship Bryan Paterson, Mayor of the City of Kingston

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• More than $10.1 billion of this funding will support trade and transportation projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• Ontario is investing more than $2.5 billion to repair and expand highways and bridges across Ontario in 2017/18, creating or sustaining approximately 17,500 jobs.

Read more on CityofKingston.ca