Project Value: $8 Million

As part of the previous environmental assessment completed by BTE, the long-term planning for the James A. Gifford Causeway (Causeway) included the widening of the cross section to function as protection of the embankment. The design included a 9 m wide rock fill platform, extension of existing equalization culverts and fish habitat/environmental protection features including lunker structures, stump structures and vegetated boulder revetments. The design was extremely unique due to the muck bottom of Chemong Lake and geotechnical concerns with settlement both in the short and long term. Additionally, the rock fill widening required coastal consultation to mitigate and protect for wave action and washout of the widened platform.

Extensive environmental consultation was undertaken with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and Curve Lake First Nation (CLFN) as the Causeway embankment was identified as key spawning habitat for Walleye. A Fisheries Act Authorization was secured for the work (the largest for DFO at the time) which included fisheries monitoring pre, during and post construction with CLFN staff to assess the impacts of the construction on spawning. BTE also completed all construction administration and general/environmental inspection for the project.