Construction of new Mercier Bridge structure: Project advances despite fears in Kahnawake

Just started, the project of construction of a new section of the Mercier Bridge by the provincial government is giving rise to preoccupations in the heart of the Kahnawake community. The Transport Ministry ‘’is still at the stage of planning the project, and has begun some preparatory studies necessary for the conception and elaboration of the business file,’’ said Gilles Payer, a media spokesperson for the Quebec Transport Ministry (MTQ). The geo-technical studies are already underway to analyze the capacity of the earth to support it on the Kahnawake side (on the Ile Maline, commonly called ‘’the North Wall’’) and on the LaSalle side. And some others still remain to be done. Opposition These geo-technical works raised the concerns of traditionalist members of Kahnawake, linked to the 207 Longhouse. These people published a communique in which they say they are opposed to the project. Their main arguments, such as reported in The EasternDoor newspaper, rest on environmental and territorial stakes. But according to the MTQ spokesman, the work started in this project is being done in conjunction with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake. ‘’This situation results from a misunderstanding on the part of certain members of the community. It consists of false ideas concerning the project. We are applying ourselves to re-establishing the facts,’’ Payer contends. Reaction of MCK The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake on August 1 published a communique in response to the preoccupations evoked by members of the Longhouse. It indicates that it will not concede any additional parcel of land for the construction project on the bridge and that the environment will be protected. Moreover, it adds that it agrees with the MTQ that there be better communication regarding the various aspects of the project.