Julian Kobaliev
Bridge Committee
Although Orléans has had ample reason for a year now to feel confident that our eastern Greenbelt is no longer threatened by a bridge, the Bridge Committee would still like to keep you up to date on developments.
To recap: about a year ago, the government published its 2024 Fall Economic Statement, announcing its commitment to built a sixth interprovincial crossing at Kettle Island (from Montée Paiement to the Aviation Parkway), for which it had already pledged $221 million for planning, design, and site preparation work, which are underway. This, by definition, ruled out the site that would have gone through the Greenbelt.
All the foregoing was further confirmed in Canada’s Federal Budget 2025, which passed on 17 November.
This certainly makes us breathe easier, but we cannot altogether rule out the possibility that the chosen crossing site could fail its Impact Assessment, which might put the Greenbelt location back into consideration.
In this regard, we are greatly encouraged by the fact that the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) have launched an initiative to have the Greenbelt protected by law. If successful, this would grant the Greenbelt ironclad protection, which we heartily support. You are welcome to visit our website at nogreenbeltbridge.com.
