Tiny, rare fish and mollusks halt $23-million city bridge project

Tiny, rare fish and mollusks halt $23-million city bridge project

Source: CBC News

6/22/2022

Credit: Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority

The presence of rare species of fish and mollusks living in the Thames River near the heart of the city has temporarily halted a $23-million bridge project.

Construction on Victoria Bridge, more commonly known as the Ridout Street bridge, was supposed to start in the spring, but work has been temporarily halted over concerns heavy construction could disrupt the habitat of at-risk species of fish and mussels living in the water.

The bridge was slated to be complete in May 2023, but now that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) officials have halted work, Jennie Dann, the city's director of construction and infrastructure services, wouldn't say how far back the snafu would delay the project.

Instead, she said the city, which recently declared a climate emergency, has a duty to work with federal officials to find a more environmentally sensitive way forward.