The Ontario government has named EllisDon as construction manager for the replacement of the Little Current Swing Bridge, advancing a major Northern Ontario infrastructure project designed to maintain reliable year-round road access between Manitoulin Island and the mainland.
The new two-lane swing bridge will replace the existing 110-year-old crossing on Highway 6 in the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands. The bridge is the only year-round road crossing serving Manitoulin Island and is used by approximately 4,500 vehicles per day during peak summer months.
New Bridge to Maintain Manitoulin Island’s Highway Connection
Ontario previously awarded a detailed design contract for the replacement bridge. The appointment of a construction manager represents the next stage of the project as the province moves toward replacing aging infrastructure while retaining the site’s distinctive swing bridge design.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making historic investments to build and strengthen the highways and bridges northern communities rely on,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Replacing the Little Current Swing Bridge will protect this critical connection to Manitoulin Island, support good-paying jobs in the region and keep families.”
The crossing provides access to employment, health care, education and other essential services while supporting the movement of residents, tourists and commercial traffic.
Project Expected to Support Regional Jobs and Businesses
The province said construction is expected to support local employment and broader economic activity on Manitoulin Island and throughout Northern Ontario.
“The Little Current Swing Bridge is a vital connection for Manitoulin Island residents, businesses, and visitors. As the Island’s only year-round road crossing, it supports access to jobs, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities across the region,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Our government is proud to be taking another important step toward replacing this critical piece of infrastructure while preserving its iconic swing bridge design. This investment will help keep people and goods moving safely and reliably for decades to come, while protecting the unique character of this important gateway to Manitoulin Island.”
Steven Crombie, senior director of public affairs at the Ontario Road Builders’ Association, said the crossing also has implications for regional supply chains and investment.
“The Little Current Swing Bridge is much more than a transportation link it is an economic gateway connecting Manitoulin Island to markets, jobs and opportunities across Northern Ontario and the rest of the province. A modern, reliable crossing will strengthen the movement of goods and people, support Manitoulin’s tourism, agriculture and resource-based industries, and provide businesses with the certainty they need to invest and grow. Strategic infrastructure investments like this have an impact far beyond the construction itself: they lower barriers to economic activity, strengthen regional supply chains and help unlock the enormous economic potential of Northern Ontario. ORBA applauds the Ontario government for recognizing that building stronger transportation infrastructure is fundamental to building a stronger northern economy.”
Ontario Expands Northern Highway Infrastructure Investment
The bridge project forms part of Ontario’s broader infrastructure program. The province says it is investing more than $236 billion through its plan to build Ontario, including $31 billion for highway, road and bridge repair and expansion. In 2026-27, more than $600 million is allocated to highway projects across Northern Ontario.
Other projects include upgrades to Highway 17 from Echo Bay to Highway 548, four-laning portions of the Trans-Canada Highway from Thunder Bay to Nipigon and from Kenora toward the Manitoba border, and widening Highway 69 between Parry Sound and Sudbury.
The Little Current crossing was dedicated in September as the Constable Marc Hovingh Minjimennikaade Memorial Bridge.
Replacement Seen as Long-Term Investment in Manitoulin
“The Constable Marc Hovingh Minjimennikaade Memorial Bridge is a critical infrastructure to connect Manitoulin Island to mainland. This vital year-round corridor serves residents, businesses, visitors and transporters with a dependable and accessible route,” said Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma – Manitoulin. “This investment by the Province of Ontario ensures a strong and prosperous future for Manitoulin Island and Algoma-Manitoulin.”
Dave Plourde, president of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, also described the appointment of a construction manager as an important milestone.
“Selecting a construction manager is another important step toward completing the replacement of the Little Current Swing Bridge. This critical connection will benefit year-round and seasonal residents while supporting tourism and economic growth on Manitoulin Island. Investments in Northern infrastructure, including this bridge and the four-laning of Highways 11 and 17, are essential to the safety, reliability and long-term prosperity of our communities, province and country.”
With EllisDon now selected as construction manager, the project advances toward delivering a modern replacement for one of Manitoulin Island’s most important transportation and economic connections.