August 17, 2024

To: Premier Doug Ford
Ontario Legislative Building,
Queen's Park,
Toronto, ON M7A 1A1 

Dear Premier Ford,

We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Manitoulin Island, are writing to express our urgent concern regarding the deteriorating condition of the historic Manitoulin Island Swing Bridge, which serves as the only link between Manitoulin Island and Highway 6 which ultimately turns into the Trans-Canada Highway 17 connecting Manitoulin Island residents to the rest of the north and beyond.

In the past 6 months alone there have been consistent mechanical breakdowns during which the bridge could not function and thereby making it impossible to access or leave Manitoulin Island.  These breakdowns also limited the ability of boaters to access the North Channel.

This vital piece of infrastructure has reached a critical point of disrepair, making it increasingly unreliable for residents, emergency services, and tourists alike. The effects of this situation extend beyond inconvenience; they pose serious safety risks and threaten the economic stability of our community.

Key Concerns:

1. Safety Risks: The swing bridge's unreliability has created significant concerns for emergency services. When the bridge is non-operational, emergency responders may be unable to reach residents in need on either side of the bridge, putting lives at risk.

2. Impact on Vehicle and Boat Traffic: Not only is vehicle traffic affected by the unreliability of the swing bridge, but boat traffic visiting the North Channel is also compromised. This includes commercial fishing boats, Coast Guard vessels, cruise ships, and recreational boat tourists. The disruption of these maritime routes have far-reaching implications for trade, safety, and tourism in our region.  Furthermore, many Manitoulin Island residents work, attend school or access medical resources in both Espanola and Sudbury.  The unreliability of the swing bridge inhibited residents' ability to work and also has a huge impact on our high number of seniors who rely on medical resources off the island.

3. Economic Impact: As a tourism-dependent economy, the reliability of access to Manitoulin Island is paramount. Tourists may be deterred from visiting due to concerns about access, which, in turn, affects local businesses and the livelihoods of many residents.

4. Home to Anishinaabe Communities: Manitoulin Island is home to six Anishinaabe First Nations communities. The safety and accessibility of the swing bridge are essential not only for the residents and tourists but also for these communities, whose histories and livelihoods are interwoven with the island. Their well-being and ability to access resources and services depend on reliable transportation.

5. Financial Limitations: The small townships on Manitoulin Island do not have the necessary funds required to undertake the significant repair or replacement of the historical swing bridge on their own.  Furthermore, as the swing bridge is considered a section of Ontario Highway 6 which connects to Trans-Canada HWY 17 therefore it should be a shared responsibility with both the Provincial and Federal governments.

Our Request:

We urge the Provincial and Federal governments to actively collaborate in prioritizing the replacement of the swing bridge on Highway 6. It is imperative that our community is not left behind; our safety, accessibility, and economic well-being depend on it.

Conclusion:

The situation has reached an emergency status that demands immediate attention. We respectfully ask that you take swift action to ensure that Manitoulin Island remains safe and accessible for its residents, including the six Anishinaabe First Nations communities, and its tourists.

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,

Concerned Manitoulin Island Residents and Visitors

Signatures: