Atherley Narrows Bridge Project

Notice of Study Completion - Atherley Narrows Pedestrian Bridge

The City of Orillia, in partnership with the Township of Ramara and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and through their consultant AECOM, has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study to assess the opportunity to provide a recreational trail connection across the Atherley Narrows, enhance existing significant cultural heritage features and establish a place of ceremony for Aboriginal people.  The EA study was carried out in accordance with the planning and design process for Schedule 'C' projects as outlined in the Municipal Class EA document (October 2000, as amended in 2007 and 2011), approved under the Environmental Assessment Act.

The Environmental Study Report (ESR) has been prepared to document the planning and decision making process that was followed. By this Notice, the ESR is being placed on the public record for a 30-day review period in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class EA. The ESR will be available for public review, beginning on Friday, November 13, 2015.

Based on the evaluation of the planning and design alternatives, and in consideration of public and agency input, the recommended plan includes the removal and relocation of the existing swing bridge span and development of a newly designed bridge that will serve recreational trail users, including pedestrians, cyclists and snowmobiles.  The enhanced design features of the new bridge include the resurfacing of the trails to the immediate east and west of the bridge site, as well as enhanced landscaping. For more information, the ESR is available for review.

Please find below links to the ESR and related appendices:

Environmental Study - Full Report

Appendix A - Consultation

Appendix B - Natural Environment Impact Study

Appendix C - Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment

Appendix D - Marine Archaeological Assessment

Appendix E - Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report

Appendix F - Bridge Condition Survey

Appendix G - Underwater Survey

Appendix H - Geotechnical Investigation

Hard copies are also available for viewing at the following locations as of November 13, 2015.

Further information can be obtained by contacting John McMullen at the City of Orillia by telephone at 705-322-2060, or by email at jmcmullen@orillia.ca.

If concerns regarding this project cannot be resolved in discussion with the City of Orillia, a person or party may request that the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change make an order for the project to comply with Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act (referred to as a Part II Order), which addresses Individual Environmental Assessments. The Minister must receive requests by December 14, 2015, with a copy sent to the CAO / City Clerk at the address indicated below. If there are no requests to change the status of the project to an Individual EA by this date, the City may proceed with detailed design and construction. The timing of construction is subject to completion of design, applicable permits and funding.

Under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and the Environmental Assessment Act, unless otherwise stated in the submission, any personal information included in a submission will become part of the public record files for this matter and will be released, if requested, to any person.

Project Summary

The purpose of this project is to provide a recreational trail connection across the Atherley Narrows which would address a missing gap that currently exists within the Trans Canada Trail system. Ultimately, this will provide a safe crossing for snowmobilers, who currently use the lake to interconnect within the City and the township.    

• The preliminary concept and vision includes:
• Pedestrian and snowmobile bridge crossing at the Atherley Narrows 
• Interpretive centre incorporated into the bridge abutment
• Platform at the water's edge for sacred ceremonies 
• Wooden boardwalk
• Restorative landscape as part of the approach to the bridge

Atherley Narrows Bridge Project Environmental Assessment

The City of Orillia, in partnership with the Township of Ramara and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and through their consultant AECOM, is undertaking a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study to assess the opportunity to provide a recreational trail connection across the Atherley Narrows, enhance existing significant cultural heritage features and establish a place of ceremony for Aboriginal people. This EA study is being carried out in accordance with the planning and design process for Schedule 'C' projects as outlined in the Municipal Class EA document (October 2000, as amended in 2007 & 2011), approved under theEnvironmental Assessment Act.

Additional Information

The Atherley Narrows Bridge Committee was established in 2011 and is comprised of representatives from the City of Orillia, the Township of Ramara, the Chippewas of Rama First Nation and various trail associations and user groups.

This past year, the City was successful in receiving a Trans Canada Trail grant in the amount of $30,000 which allowed the EA process to continue and address additional EA studies as required by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. 

• These studies included a Heritage Impact Assessment, Cultural Assessment and Marine Archaeological Assessment. The studies commenced in the summer of 2014 and are nearing completion.
• The committee works closely with the consulting team and is also actively investigating a land ownership issue related to the future bridge abutments which appears to be Crown Land on either side of the Narrows.  These blocks currently do not have any registered title.
• In the Major Capital Facilities plan, Council has allocated funding of $1,500,000 for the construction of the Atherley Narrows Bridge contingent on partner and grant funding.
  
  
  

The Atherley Narrows Swing Bridge in 1920		Conception of the Ancient Fishing Wiers in 1907