Ontario Moves Forward with Twinning of Garden City Skyway to Boost Trade and Tourism in Niagara
Province awards design contract for new QEW bridge to ease congestion, support jobs, and expand access to Niagara Falls and U.S. trade routes
ST. CATHARINES — The Ontario government is advancing a major infrastructure project with the awarding of a contract for the design phase of the long-awaited QEW Garden City Skyway Bridge Twinning Project.
The project will see a new 2.2-kilometre, four-lane bridge constructed alongside the existing Garden City Skyway to carry Toronto-bound traffic over the Welland Canal, while the original 1963 bridge will be rehabilitated to accommodate Niagara-bound traffic. This twinning strategy is expected to minimize traffic disruptions during construction and position the corridor for future growth.
The initiative is a key part of Ontario’s broader $30 billion investment over the next decade to modernize and expand highways, roads, and bridges across the province. The Garden City Skyway is a vital artery in the province’s highway system, facilitating the movement of over 100,000 vehicles daily, including billions of dollars in trade.
“Expanding the Garden City Skyway Bridge will secure a vital trade and tourism corridor, support good-paying jobs during construction and build a more competitive economy here in Ontario for the long term,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. He cited the project as a critical move amid ongoing U.S. tariff challenges under President Trump’s administration.
Skyway Bridging Partners has been selected to design the bridge, related roadway upgrades, and utility relocations. Once complete, the new structure will support Toronto-bound traffic and allow for the rehabilitation of the existing bridge with minimal congestion.
Local leaders praised the announcement, citing the significant impact on economic development, job creation, and transportation efficiency.
“This is a transformative investment in the future of St. Catharines,” said Mayor Mat Siscoe. “It means real, immediate benefits for local workers and contractors — creating good-paying jobs and supporting families throughout our community.”
Mayor Frank Campion of Welland emphasized the project’s role in “strengthening supply chains” and “enhancing economic opportunities” across the Niagara Region, while Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati called it a “crucial link” that will support Canada’s most-visited tourist destination.
The twinning project is part of Ontario’s Connecting the GGH: A Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, which aims to accommodate the region’s projected growth from 10 million to nearly 15 million residents by 2051, along with an expected rise in employment from 5 million to 7 million jobs.
Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, reinforced the province’s long-term vision: “We are delivering on our more than $200 billion plan to build the infrastructure our province needs to reduce gridlock, keep workers on the job and drive economic growth.”
With design work now underway, the province moves one step closer to unlocking new economic and tourism potential in the Niagara corridor.
Follow GTA Today on social media for more local news and updates. #GTAToday
