New pedestrian bridge approved

The approval of a new pedestrian bridge connecting Kahnawake to Tekakwitha Island was announced late this week, a project that promises to improve safety and accessibility.

The bridge is expected to be especially important during high‑traffic times like the annual Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow-Wow, which draws thousands to the island.

MCK chief Arnold Boyer emphasized the significance of the project for community safety.

“More people are going. There’s a number of people crossing the bridge by foot, and this will help separate vehicles from pedestrians and ensure safety,” Boyer said. “During the powwow, the bridge will make the island more accessible for everyone, including those on foot, in wheelchairs, or with strollers, ensuring a safer and smoother flow of visitors.”

The pedestrian bridge will allow walkers to cross safely away from vehicle traffic.

“The new structure will help manage foot traffic more effectively, keeping pedestrians safe while maintaining smooth vehicle flow,” Boyer said.

Funded entirely by the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), the project will cover both design and the construction. Work is scheduled to begin in winter 2026, and construction will take a few months.

“Were happy it’s happening, it’s been a long time coming,” said Lynne Norton, an organizer of the annual powwow. “This will really help the powwow for pedestrians that walk over and will do us some good.”

The new pedestrian bridge will run parallel to the existing vehicle bridge. This separation addresses long‑standing safety concerns over the mixing of foot traffic and vehicles on the existing bridge.

“I think it would be great for both pedestrians and the vehicles going on and off the island. A lot of times you’ve even got kids fishing off the bridge, and these kids sometimes don’t look when they’re crossing to the other side of the bridge when there’s cars coming or going,” said community member Clint Meloche.

“Also, you have a lot of people with baby carriages walking side-by-side of each other and cars are coming, and I believe it is a hazard.”

The decision comes after years of concern. A 2020 study commissioned by SLSMC under the Recreation Bay project warned that increasing numbers of pedestrians and cyclists, especially during events, posed safety risks because the existing bridge was designed only for vehicular traffic. The study recommended a separate pedestrian structure.

“I believe it will benefit everyone, especially for our annual Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow-Wow,” Meloche said, adding that he is satisfied with its location alongside the existing bridge.

“I saw some comments on Facebook that the bridge should be somewhere else. For me, as one, I’m just grateful that we do have a pedestrian bridge and that everybody will be that much more safe. A pedestrian bridge is better than no pedestrian bridge at all.”

A 2022 proposal to add a cantilevered walkway to the existing bridge was rejected because of design and cost issues, prompting the community and engineers to come up with the solution of a standalone bridge solely for pedestrians.

“It’s part of a broader vision for Kahnawake, ensuring our lands and recreational spaces are accessible for generations to come,” said Boyer.

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