MCK provides update on ‘new’ Mercier Bridge project

09/12/2018

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that Chief & Council are in the process of finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Québec in regard to the upcoming ‘new’ Mercier Bridge project.

In April 2017 Quebec announced that a new span would be built on the so-called ‘provincial section,’ replacing the older south-bound section of the bridge that crosses directly over the St. Lawrence River closest to Lasalle. The design phase is expected to proceed in 2019.

The MCK has steadfastly maintained that it must be involved in the planning and building of the new structure, on which construction is expected to begin once the new Champlain Bridge is completed. In the meantime, several committees have been set up to deal with issues such as project management, consultation, and workforce work matters. A sub-committee that includes the Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office (KEPO) has also been created to address technical studies and environmental matters.   

Certain preliminary and preparatory work has already begun. KEPO has employed field monitors to observe this work.

“The MCK will be reaching out to our own local community members who are actively exercising fishing rights on the river, “said Ietsénhaienhs Rhonda Kirby, who has been active on the Quebec Relations file. “We will continue to work hard to ensure that the project meets our expectations and requirements, and that the community is informed about developments on a timely basis.”