Feds turn to RAIC for design advice on Alexandra Bridge replacement

As part of its process to replace the Alexandra Bridge, the federal government turned to the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) for design advice.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) announced that it has partnered with the RAIC to provide professional guidance throughout the elaboration of design solutions and to ensure the new bridge design meets the highest possible design standards and incorporates important considerations that Canadians share.

"The Alexandra Bridge is a national historic site in the National Capital Region, connecting communities on both sides of the Ottawa River,” said PSPC Minister Jean-Yves Duclos. “The Independent Review Panel will help ensure the new design creates a more reliable and sustainable bridge that also highlights the unique setting of the existing bridge, respects the integrity of the national capital's cultural landscapes, and reflects Canadian values and identity."

Through its own expression of interest, the RAIC has assembled a panel that comprises experts in multiple disciplines: Indigenous culture and values, heritage preservation, architecture, engineering and urban planning.

Its members include:

Thierry Delémont                  Geneva, Switzerland

Prof. Dr Walter Kaufmann      Zurich, Switzerland

Brian MacKay-Lyons O.C        Halifax, Nova Scotia

David Fortin                          Métis Nation of Ontario, Waterloo, Ontario

Barry Padolsky                      Ottawa, Ontario

Hassan Saffarini                    Toronto, Ontario

Naomi Ratte                          Winnipeg, Manitoba/Ottawa, Ontario

George Dark                          Toronto, Ontario

Russell Loveridge                   Zurich, Switzerland/Ottawa, Ontario

Nathalie Desrosiers                Merrickville, Ontario

Michael Leckman                   Toronto, Ontario

RAIC Professional Advisors: Silvio Baldassarra and Thierry Montpetit

The panel will examine design options created by the technical advisor and provide expert advice on critical aspects of the project, including recommendations on the preferred concept design.

The public will be able to participate in the design process through consultations expected to begin this spring. Results and feedback received from the public consultations activities will also be shared with the Independent Review Panel for their consideration. Local Indigenous communities will also be consulted throughout the design process.

The National Capital Commission (NCC) will review the recommended design concept as part of its regulatory federal approval authority.

The Alexandra Bridge is more than 120 years old and is nearing the end of its lifecycle. Past and present rehabilitations have not improved the overall condition of the structure and despite all this work, the bridge continues to deteriorate, which will continue to result in more frequent closures to perform the necessary rehabilitation and repair work.

To improve transportation between Ontario and Quebec, the government mandated the replacement of the Alexandra Bridge in Budget 2019.

In June 2021, the NCC's Board of Directors approved the planning and design principles for the replacement of the Alexandra Bridge. The principles provide guidance in the areas of planning, heritage protection, urban design and sustainability.

While the bridge replacement project continues, PSPC is carrying out repair work to keep the Alexandra Bridge in service and safe for commuters. Work started in fall 2023, and the bridge is currently closed to vehicular traffic. Work is expected to be completed in summer 2025.