Public Notice

Portage Channel Bridge Replacement – Public Comments Invited

February 6, 2026 – The authority must determine whether the proposed Portage Channel Bridge Replacement, located in Dokis First Nation is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, the authority is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments must be submitted by March 9, 2026 to:

Environment, Health and Safety

Public Services and Procurement Canada

11 Laurier St, Portage III, Place du Portage
Gatineau, QC  K1A 0S5

Email: TPSGC.RCNLVEEListedeControle-NCRECMPChecklist.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is proposing to replace the existing Portage Channel Bridge, which was constructed in 1987 and has reached the end of its service life. Structural evaluations have identified load restrictions and geometric limitations that affect the safe and reliable movement of vehicles, including emergency and service vehicles, within the Dokis First Nation community.

The purpose of the project is to maintain safe, reliable, and unrestricted access across the Portage Channel by replacing the existing bridge with a new structure designed to meet current engineering standards and long-term service requirements.

The bridge is located within the Dokis First Nation Reserve and crosses the Portage Channel at the eastern outlet of Lake Nipissing into the French River system. The surrounding area includes Indigenous community lands and is adjacent to lands managed as part of the French River Provincial Park. Keso Bay Road is a low-volume access road and serves as the sole road connection across the Portage Channel.

The project involves the construction of a new single-span bridge located immediately north of the existing structure. The new bridge will be designed for a 75 year service life and will provide increased roadway width to improve vehicle safety and functionality.

Components of the project include:

• Construction of new bridge abutments and superstructure;
• Reconstruction and widening of approach roadways;
• Installation of safety barriers, drainage features, and lighting;
• Removal of the existing bridge following commissioning of the new structure; and
• Site restoration following completion of construction activities.
• Construction is anticipated to occur between May 2027 and August 2028.

The existing bridge will remain in service during construction of the new bridge to maintain continuous access for the Dokis First Nation community.

The project involves the construction of a new single-span bridge located immediately north of the existing structure, followed by the removal of the existing bridge once the new crossing is operational.

The new bridge will be designed for a 75 year service life and will provide an increased roadway width to improve safety and functionality for vehicular traffic.

Construction of the project will be completed in a series of coordinated activities, including enabling works, main construction works, and site restoration.

Enabling works and early construction activities are expected to include:

• Site clearing and grubbing within approved limits;
• Installation of erosion and sediment control measures;
• Establishment of temporary construction access routes, staging areas, and laydown areas;
• Installation of environmental protection fencing and site controls;
• Utility relocations, where required;
• Temporary traffic management measures to maintain access across the existing bridge;
• Installation of temporary work platforms, cofferdams, or other isolation measures to support construction activities in and near the watercourse.

Main construction activities are expected to include:

• Excavation and construction of new bridge abutments and foundations;
• Installation of the bridge superstructure and deck;
• Reconstruction and widening of approach roadways;
• Installation of safety barriers, guiderails, drainage features, and lighting;
• Commissioning of the new bridge structure.

Post-construction activities will include:

• Removal of the existing bridge structure;
• Removal of temporary works and construction access;
• Site grading and restoration of disturbed areas.

Construction is anticipated to occur between May 2027 and August 2028. The existing bridge will remain in service during construction of the new bridge to maintain uninterrupted access for the First Nation community.

PSPC is the lead federal authority for the project and is responsible for conducting the environmental effects determination under sections 81 to 91 of the Impact Assessment Act. Other federal reviews, permits, and approvals will be obtained as required to enable the project to proceed. In addition, the engagement and collaboration between PSPC and the Dokis First Nation is already underway, as this is essential to the development and progress of the project.