New Champlain Bridge Corridor Project: Creation of fish spawning and feeding grounds in the Rapides de Vaudreuil area

VAUDREUIL-DORION, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Nov. 22, 2016) -

The Government of Canada believes in protecting our natural environment while continuing to support vital infrastructure projects that ensure a vibrant future for Canada's middle class.

During the environmental assessment of the new Champlain Bridge Corridor project, the Government of Canada committed to implementing projects that will compensate for the loss of natural habitats caused by the work. Therefore the government intends to invest over $10 million in the creation of spawning grounds for fish in the Rapides de Vaudreuil area between the Taschereau Bridge and Île aux Pins.

The project will involve the creation of a 10-hectare area of spawning grounds for yellow walleye, lake sturgeon, smallmouth bass and a number of other fish species. This stable and sustainable development will be implemented along precise parameters of water depth and current speed in order to optimize spawning conditions in the Rapides de Vaudreuil area.

Infrastructure Canada has worked closely with the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Public Works and Government Services Canada to develop this compensation project which, in addition to providing numerous environmental benefits, will improve fishing conditions in the area of the Rapides de Vaudreuil.

Quotes

"The Rapides de Vaudreuil spawning grounds project reflects how the Government of Canada, by working closely with the local community, key stakeholders and its various partners, is building the new Champlain Bridge quickly and sustainably, while protecting and preserving our natural environment. The Government of Canada is committed to establishing solid partnerships with all orders of government to support infrastructure development and create good, well-paying jobs to help the middle class grow and prosper today."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"When completed, this major project will benefit the citizens of Vaudreuil-Dorion by enhancing the opportunities for recreational fishing through improvements to the aquatic ecosystem in the area of the Rapides de Vaudreuil."

Guy Pilon, Mayor of Vaudreuil-Dorion

Quick Facts

• This project will be completed in accordance with the Fisheries Act http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/fpp-ppp/index-eng.html.
• The call for tenders for this project will be launched in the coming weeks. Work will begin in early 2017 and will end in the fall of 2018.
• Follow-up work on these enhancements has also been planned in order to assess the achievement of objectives, specifically with respect to the sustainability and productivity of new spawning grounds.

Associated Links

To learn more about the New Champlain Bridge project, go to: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/nbsl-npsl/index-eng.html

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Website: Infrastructure Canada