The Region of Waterloo has undertaken a planning study for Scheifele Bridge in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act following the approved process for Schedule ‘C’ projects under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. This project addresses the deteriorated condition of Scheifele Bridge while accommodating the current and future needs of the bridge and roadway. The study investigated alternatives for widening and reconstructing the current bridge to accommodate future traffic and enhance pedestrian, buggy and cycling facilities. The study also focused heavily on options that would provide for uninterrupted traffic on Northfield Drive during the reconstruction of the bridge, recognizing the significant negative impacts that an extended closure of Northfield Drive would have on the community. The aesthetics of the new bridge and avoiding negative environmental impacts also played important roles in the evaluation process.

The recommended design alternative is to replace the existing bridge with a new bridge with the following features:

• Three-span haunched steel plate girder structure with a total length of 117 meters and width of 14.55 metres
• Two 3.35 metre-wide traffic lanes
• Two 2.45 metre-wide paved shared-use shoulders for buggies and cyclists
• A 1.8 m wide pedestrian sidewalk on the east side only, protected from traffic by a concrete barrier wall
• A decorative pedestrian handrail alongside the sidewalk
• A protective barrier wall on the west side of the structure
• Reconstruction of Northfield Drive at each end of the bridge
• Four stages during the bridge replacement so traffic is maintained on Northfield Drive during construction

A summary of the environmental study process and the Recommended Preferred Design Concepts for the Scheifele Bridge replacement, the Northfield Drive reconstruction, and the Construction Staging Program, are included in a comprehensive Environmental Study Report (ESR).

The ESR Report will be available for review on the Region of Waterloo’s EngageWR.ca website at https://www.engagewr.ca/scheifele-bridge-superstructure-replacement for a 30-day public comment period, between November 20, 2023, and December 20, 2023.

The Environmental Study Report is also available for review in person during regular business hours at the following location:

Interested persons may provide written comments to the Study Team anytime during this review period, but no later than December 20, 2023, by contacting either one of the following Study Team members:

SECTION 16 ORDER: ABORIGINAL AND TREATY RIGHTS:

As noted, public concerns are to be directed to the project proponent (Region of Waterloo), as represented by the above Project Team members. However, where outstanding concerns may relate to potential adverse impacts to constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights, then Section 16 Order requests on these matters shall be addressed in writing, or by email, to the following provincial government contacts, and copied to the Project Team members listed above, no later than December 20, 2023.

In addition, a request may be made to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for an order requiring a higher level of study (i.e. an individual / comprehensive EA approval before being able to proceed), or that conditions be imposed (e.g. require further studies), only on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate, or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. Requests on other grounds will not be considered.

All requests should include the full name and contact information of the requester, for Ministry purposes. 

This Notice Dated November 20, 2023

All comments and information provided become part of the consultation process and are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision. All submissions will become part of the public record files for this matter. Personal information collected is under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 and in compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990. Questions about the collection of personal information should be directed to Ken Brisbois, Project Manager at kbrisbois@regionofwaterloo.ca or 519 575-4606