Amend LaSalle Causeway lift schedule
Petitioners ask the Government to amend the LaSalle Causeway temporary lift schedule for more frequent scheduled marine openings by May 1, 2026, and to have a permanent replacement bridge operational by May 1, 2027. The government responds it approved the current schedule, is monitoring impacts, and says the requested 2027 completion date is not feasible.
Why we would sign this petition
- Reducing scheduled closures would restore mobility for commuters, transit, emergency services and local businesses, addressing the petition’s cited delays and access problems.
- More frequent, predictable openings could help revive boat traffic and tourism the petition says has fallen, supporting local economic activity.
- A clear deadline for a replacement bridge would create accountability and incentive for timely planning, procurement and construction.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Transport Canada and partners approved the current schedule citing safety and operational constraints; more openings could compromise structural or navigational safety.
- A permanent bridge requires environmental reviews, Indigenous engagement, business cases and procurement; the petition’s timelines may be unrealistic given these steps.
- Changing the schedule could shift delays, raise costs or require trade-offs (safety, traffic management, marine needs) that the petition does not address in detail.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the Government of Canada WHEREAS • The LaSalle Causeway's Bascule Bridge was damaged during repair work in the spring of 2024, and key elements of the bridge structure were significantly damaged and unrepairable. The bridge needed to be demolished and removed entirely. This construction began in June 2025. • A temporary modular bridge was installed to allow vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists to cross the causeway during the construction. The modular bridge must be removed and reinstalled periodically to also allow marine traffic to travel through the main navigation channel. The process to remove and reinstall the bridge takes about 6 hours total. Transport Canada approved a lift schedule that allows the bridge to be lifted, only on Sundays and certain holidays. Road closures begin at 6 a.m. and end at 10 p.m. on these days, and marine traffic runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. • Residents are concerned that the current lift schedule for the LaSalle Causeway creates major disruptions to the flow of people, goods, public transit, tourism, and emergency services. Road closures limit accessibility, causing delays for commuters and emergency responders, and reducing visitor traffic to local businesses. Parks Canada has reported a 10% decline in boating traffic since the closure, and the Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association notes that in 2017, communities along the Rideau Canal contributed $309M to the local economy through tourism. With the recent drop in boat traffic, this economic contribution is expected to decline further, amplifying concerns about long-term impacts on local businesses and tourism. Many residents feel the schedule does not adequately balance marine traffic needs with the community's reliance on this vital transportation link. We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: • Amend the lift schedule for the temporary modular bridge to allow for more frequent, regular, scheduled marine traffic to pass through, by May 1, 2026. • Commit to having a final replacement bridge operational for May 1, 2027.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Québec Lieutenant Signed by Jenna Sudds The Government of Canada acknowledges the concerns raised by residents, businesses, and stakeholders regarding the temporary modular bridge and lift schedule at the LaSalle Causeway. The Government recognizes the importance of maintaining an effective balance between marine navigation requirements and the mobility needs of the local community, including commuters, emergency services, tourism operators, and commercial activities. Transport Canada, in collaboration with Parks Canada and other relevant partners, approved the current lift schedule to ensure safe and continued access for marine traffic while maintaining the structural and operational integrity of the temporary bridge. The schedule reflects operational constraints, including the time required to safely remove and reinstall the modular bridge and to manage traffic flow. The Government of Canada continues to monitor the impacts of the current schedule on local transportation, economic activity, and emergency response. Ongoing engagement with municipal authorities, stakeholders, and the public informs adjustments where feasible. Any modifications to the lift schedule must consider safety, technical feasibility, and the needs of all users of the waterway and roadway. Regarding the request for a fully operational permanent bridge by May 1, 2027, Public Services and Procurement Canada notes that this timeline is not feasible given the scale and complexity of the project. Projects of this magnitude require multiple sequential and interrelated phases, including engagement with stakeholders and Indigenous rights holders, environmental assessments, business case development, final investment decision, procurement, detailed engineering and design, construction, and commissioning. Further, the project must also account for site-specific conditions and coordination with adjacent transportation and waterway infrastructure. These considerations necessitate that timelines for completion must be established in line with the project’s technical scope, established performance requirements, and delivery constraints. The Government of Canada remains committed to progressing the LaSalle Causeway bridge replacement efficiently and responsibly, while minimizing disruptions to the community during construction. Project timelines will continue to be refined as work advances, and the Government will provide updates as the project progresses. Response by the Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Signed by Mike Kelloway The Government of Canada acknowledges the concerns raised by residents, businesses and stakeholders regarding the temporary modular bridge and lift schedule at the LaSalle Causeway. On April 2, 2026, the Minister of Transport issued a Canadian Navigable Waters Actapproval for the temporary bridge with conditions requiring opening once a week (generally Sunday) and select additional openings (i.e., Canada Day and October 13). In order to issue the approval, the Minister of Transport considered each of the factors listed in subsection 7(7) of the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, information provided by the proponent, and any potential adverse effects that the decision to approve the work may have on the right of Indigenous peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Government of Canada continues to monitor the impacts of the current schedule on local transportation, economic activity and emergency response. Ongoing engagement with municipal authorities, stakeholders and the public informs adjustments where feasible. Any modifications to the lift schedule must consider safety, technical feasibility, and the needs of all users of the waterway and roadway.