SUBMITTED
The Municipal Governments along the Rideau Canal corridor and other waterbodies accessed by marine vessels from the LaSalle Causeway are deeply concerned about the economic impacts of the bridge closure and reconstruction process. A media conference will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 12:30 pm at the Centennial/ Murphy Park located at 2-22 Confederation Drive, Smiths Falls, K7A 2P6. An Economic Impact Study for the Rideau Canal National Historic Site revealed that the Rideau Canal itself contributes over $24 million to the national GDP and sustains over 600 full-time jobs. The economic impact of an estimated 40% reduction in marine vessels due to the Causeway restrictions equates to an inflation-adjusted impact of over $16 million annually.
Mayor of Smiths Falls, Shawn Pankow was quoted on the subject: “The lakes and rivers of the Rideau Canal attract hundreds of large-cruiser boaters each year, including many from the United States who complete ‘the great loop’ and others from across Ontario and Quebec. The temporary closure of the Lasalle Causeway in early 2024 resulted in many of these tourists avoiding the Rideau Canal and the temporary fixed-bridge option proposed by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) could stand as a barrier to boating traffic on the Rideau for the next several years. We are deeply concerned for the economic impact this will have on our tourism operators up and down the Rideau and are seeking an opportunity to work with federal ministries on a solution that will address all needs.”
Mayor of Westport Robin Jones also expressed deep concern over the decision by PSPC to install a modular bridge without consulting the municipal governments along the Rideau Canal corridor. Jones emphasized the devastating impact of this change on marine vessel traffic, especially considering the ongoing challenges faced by the tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Real solutions are needed to ensure all marine traffic can pass through the LaSalle Causeway beginning at the 2025 Rideau Canal navigation season.
