Montreal, Quebec, July 22, 2019 - The Government of Canada believes in the importance of protecting our environment, while continuing to support infrastructure projects that promote clean growth, ensure healthy ecosystems and build safe, secure and sustainable communities.
Work will begin in August and continue until December to create and reclaim wetlands and habitats suitable for migratory birds in the Îles de la Paix National Wildlife Area, and to protect the shoreline against erosion.
The project will compensate for the loss of natural environments, including a portion of the migratory bird sanctuary on the Îles-de-la-Couvée and some wetlands, as a result of construction of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge in Montreal.
The compensation project will create aquatic plant marshes and shrub swamps on the northwest shore of Île-aux-Plaines and improve the treed swamp over an area of more than 2.5 hectares to benefit a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds. In addition, breakwaters will be built and the northwest shore of the Île-aux-Plaines will be consolidated through the use of beach nourishment and vegetation techniques to protect the area from erosion.
Located southwest of Montreal, Îles‑de‑la‑Paix is a unique ecosystem with a variety of wildlife and plant species, including some species at risk. For many years, the wildlife area has faced major threats and management challenges associated with its proximity to a large urban area and current and past human activities. The main issues are erosion due to artificial control of the water level of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the impact of human activities on wildlife species and their habitats, and the presence of invasive species.
Infrastructure Canada worked in closed collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada and Public Works and Procurement Canada, and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to bring about this compensation project on Îles-de-la-Paix.
Following an open and transparent public tender, the contractor, Pronex Excavation Inc., was selected to carry out the work. The project cost is approximately $9 million.
Quotes
"Our government is proud to support this major project to improve the natural habitat of hundreds of bird, animal and plant species found in the Îles de la Paix National Wildlife Area. This investment is an example of the significant activities undertaken to make the Samuel De Champlain Bridge a sustainable development model that will leave a positive legacy in the region for future generations."
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"Our government is committed to protecting wildlife. The project announced today aims to restore and preserve eroded shores and provide wetlands that offer a safe habitat for many species, including species at risk such as the common snapping turtle, the northern map turtle, and the little brown bat. Our government has made historic investments in nature because we know that by acting now we are creating a stronger and healthier Canada for our children and grandchildren."
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick facts
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The Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor Project has earned the ENVISIONTM Platinum award. This recognition is given to infrastructure projects, such as the construction of highways, bridges and train stations, that achieve the highest sustainable development and environmental performance standards at every stage in their development, design and operation.
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To ensure the safety of workers during construction, migratory bird hunting will be prohibited within 500 m of Île-aux-Plaines during the 2019-2020 migratory bird hunting season.
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Hunters and boaters are advised to be careful when traveling in the waters of the Îles de la Paix archipelago as boats and barges associated with the work may be present during day, evening or night. In addition, temporary or permanent structures (rip rap, wharf or other) may be used along or near the north shore of Île-aux-Plaines.
