MCK acknowledges error regarding core sampling work

09/03/2019

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community regarding an error regarding core sampling work that was scheduled to take place tonight at the bottom of the Mercier Bridge Highway 138 Chateauguay-bound ramp.

The MCK was made aware of the plans for the work this past Thursday; however, there was no confirmation or acknowledgement sent to the Jacques Cartier – Champlain Bridge Incorporated (the agency that was conducting the work), which contravened the usual practice.

Additionally, the contractor hired to do the work showed up a day early  (last evening) and was stopped by community members, who noted that there was no notice from the MCK – which is, once again, standard procedure.

“We’d like to commend the vigilance of our community members,” said Ratsénhaienhs Lindsay LeBorgne, who holds the Infrastructure, Transport & Operations portfolio for the MCK. “While the work that was to be done wasn’t controversial in any way, it shows how important good communications is. Nothing should ever move forward without all proper approvals and notifications being given.”

Please note that there is a beautification plan being developed, to be initiated once the Mercier Bridge works are completed. The core sampling is standard procedure to check the suitability/stability of the roadbed for a proposed bicycle path. The bicycle path would allow safe access to the bridge by cyclists or pedestrians. The MCK supports this project but prefers to consult the community before proceeding.  

This core sampling work is not related to the similar work that was scheduled to take place on the North Wall as part of the planning for the project to replace the original span on the Kahnawà:ke-bound Mercier Bridge. That work has been postponed.