Project update: Chief William Commanda Bridge multi-use pathway and rehabilitation project
The City of Ottawa began construction on the Chief William Commanda Bridge multi-use pathway and rehabilitation project in the fall of 2021. The project consisted of the construction of a multi-use pathway (MUP) on the existing inactive and retained Chief William Commanda Bridge and the rehabilitation of the substructure of the bridge such as pier work and stone masonry repairs/repointing on abutments.
The new MUP connects the City of Ottawa’s Trillium Pathway to the south and the NCC Voyageurs’ Pathway in Gatineau to the north. The new Chief William Commanda Bridge multi-use pathway was prioritized to open for public use in August 2023, in advance of the completion of the full bridge structural rehabilitation. Since its opening, the new multi-use pathway has improved active transportation between Ottawa and Gatineau and serves as an interprovincial link for cycling commuters, recreational users, and visitors.
The project was substantially completed in December 2024. The remaining work of site reinstatement and landscaping was completed in August 2025.
To learn more about this project and its progress, visit the project webpage.
Project update
Final work of site reinstatement and landscaping
The project was resumed in April 2025 including site reinstatement, removing two temporary docks and landscaping. It was completed in August 2025.
Photo 1: Reinstatement of staging area (April 2025)
Photo 2: Removing temporary dock (July 2025)
Photo 3: Landscaping (August 2025)
Photo 4: The Chief William Commanda Bridge project was named Project of the Year by the Institute of Transportation Engineers, National Capital Section. This achievement celebrates the planning, engineering excellence, and community connection embodied by a ground-breaking transportation project. (May 2025)
Accessibility
Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. The City makes every effort to provide access through and around construction sites. If you require a disability-related accommodation, please contact the project team listed below. Accessible formats and communication supports are available, upon request.
Safety
The City of Ottawa is committed to safety in and around project sites. The project team continues to work closely with the industry and to comply with recommendations provided by municipal, provincial and federal health officials, as well as the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Mobility and you
Stay informed about construction and infrastructure projects. Check out the City’s interactive traffic map and incident report or call 3-1-1 for updates about when and where construction is happening.