Chief William Commanda Bridge connecting Ottawa and Gatineau now open
Posted Aug 4, 2023 02:18:32 PM.
Last Updated Aug 4, 2023 03:41:01 PM.
The long-awaited multi-use pathway bridge that connects Ottawa and Gatineau is now open.
The Chief William Commanda Bridge opened to the public on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe announced the bridge’s opening in a video on social media.
The Chief William Commanda Bridge will open to the public today, linking Ottawa to Gatineau.
Le pont Chief William Commanda, qui relie Ottawa à Gatineau, sera ouvert au public aujourd’hui. pic.twitter.com/tz4examlP4— Mark Sutcliffe (@_MarkSutcliffe) August 4, 2023
The bridge connects Ottawa’s Trillium Pathway on Lemieux Island and the National Capital Commission (NCC) Voyageurs’ pathway in Gatineau and can be used for cycling commuters, recreational users and pedestrians.
Exciting news, #OttCity!
The Chief William Commanda Bridge is open for all to enjoy! This new multi-use pathway will improve active transportation between Ottawa & Gatineau: https://t.co/ZRYjLrqtP2
Periodic disruptions will be required over the summer to complete essential work. pic.twitter.com/715TT6xbEM— City of Ottawa (@ottawacity) August 4, 2023
William Commanda served as Chief of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation from 1951 to 1970. He was an Algonquin Elder, spiritual leader, promoter of environmental stewardship and a great bridge builder between nations. In his life, he worked as a guide, a trapper and woodsman, and was a skilled craftsman and artisan who excelled at constructing birch bark canoes.
The old rail bridge, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Bridge, had been closed for rehabilitation work since the fall of 2021.
A formal opening ceremony for the bridge will be held in September.
