the MNR
The newly-replaced bridge over the Atikokan River on the Sapawe-Upsala Road will benefit businesses, local residents, and visitors.
The single-lane span replaces a 30-year-old twin culvert, ensuring public safety while also enhancing the fishery in the area.
“The completion of this project is good news for the public and for our natural resources,” said Natural Resources minister Michael Gravelle.
“Fish will now be able to inhabit, spawn, and pass through this area, which they couldn’t do in the past,” he noted.
The stretch of the Atikokan River where the bridge is located is prime walleye and northern pike spawning ground.
“The former twin culvert blocked fish from accessing this part of the river,” said MNR senior project engineer Kevin Brown, who designed the new bridge.
“The new bridge solves that problem, and we began seeing small bass return to the site on the third and final day of construction.”
Before allowing construction to proceed, the MNR conducted a preliminary wetland assessment to determine the water levels would not drop substantially upstream.
Such a drop would impact negatively on wetland sites, as well as area residents’ homes, docks, and water pumps.
To help stabilize water levels, stone cobble was placed at the site to help maintain upstream water levels and the wetland habitat.
To minimize disruption for commuters, the construction took place after the busiest summer months for cottagers but before school began.
In addition, work was completed before mid-September to avoid affecting prime fish-spawning activities.
Through an open house and advertising, the MNR engaged the public and stakeholders who would be most impacted by construction, such as cottagers and year-round residents, utilities, forestry and mining industries working in the area, and trappers, baitfish dealers, and remote tourism operators.
“We ensured stakeholders understood the scope of the project, the environmental impacts and constraints, and we gave them the chance to provide input,” said Don Grebstad, a forester with the MNR’s Atikokan Area Office.
“With ample notice and clear lines of communication, we were able to ensure everyone was informed and prepared,” he stressed.
While winter is approaching, the ministry continues to plan and carry out improvements to area roads and bridges to ensure they are safe and in good repair.
Throughout Northwestern Ontario and during all seasons of the year, ongoing improvements to infrastructure on Crown land continue.
