Rehabilitation of the L.O. Stonehouse Pedestrian Bridge

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent retained Dillon Consulting Limited to complete a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study for the L.O. Stonehouse Memorial Walkbridge. The bridge crosses the Sydenham River in downtown Wallaceburg, as shown on the map below, and has been closed since November 2021 due to its deteriorating condition.

The study is now complete and recommends the replacement of the main and lift spans and the rehabilitation of the remainder of the structure.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent hereby gives notice that a submission has been added to the Navigable Waters Registry pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act (the Act) for public comment as described herein.

Pursuant to paragraph 10(1)(b) of the Act, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has deposited with the Minister of Transport, on the online Common Project Search Registry (http://cps.canada.ca/) and under registry number 7678, a description of the following work, its site, and plans:

• The main span and lift span of the L.O. Stonehouse Memorial Walkbridge will be replaced, and the remainder of the bridge’s spans will be rehabilitated off site. The bridge is located in downtown Wallaceburg, Chatham-Kent, as shown in the map to the right.

• Throughout construction, the existing 6 metre by 4 metre navigational opening under the bridge will be maintained during the navigation season (May 15 to October 15). Short disruptions to navigation (30 minutes) may be required occasionally during construction.

Comments regarding the effect of this work on marine navigation can be sent through the Common Project Search site mentioned above, under the Comment section (search by the above referenced number). If you do not have access to the internet, please send your comments directly to the project team members listed.

For concerns regarding potential adverse impacts to constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights, a Section 16 Order request can be submitted to MECP, with the project team copied. Further information on Section 16 Orders, including submission requirements and where to send the request, is provided on the MECP website at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/class-environmental-assessments-section-16-order.