There could be a new bridge across the Kaministiquia River this summer.
Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins is in discussions to install a replacement or addition to the current CN swing bridge between Westfort and the First Nation.
The original plan was to construct a short-term temporary replacement bridge, but after speaking with an unnamed company, Collins says the setup they’re considering would stand for 75 years.
While he isn’t prepared to make an official announcement at this time, Collins says there has been “very good progress” over the past few days, and if all goes according to plan, vehicles could be crossing the river once again by “June or July” of this year.
Meetings are to take place over the coming weeks with the department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and CN Rail, and Collins is hopeful that he can meet with Ontario Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli, and federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi.
He hopes that a replacement bridge could put an end to the legal battle between the City of Thunder Bay and CN Rail over who is responsible for maintaining the bridge.
Vehicles haven’t been allowed to drive across the James Street bridge since it was damaged in a fire on October 29 of 2013. (File Photo)
