MD Urges Provincial Action on Construction Phase

On November 4, 2025, Council and Administration met with provincial decision-makers at the Alberta Legislature to finalize a co-funding formula agreement and a commitment for the $84 million Smith Bridge construction phase. Council continues to press for a timely provincial decision to keep the project on track for the Q1 2026 construction envelope.

After four years of groundwork and close to $7 million in joint investment, a new Smith Bridge is finally within reach.

To move forward with this critical infrastructure project, the MD is urging the Province to commit to a joint funding formula that accounts for the MD’s limited resources and fully recognizes the strategic value of this vital economic corridor to Alberta’s success.

To date, millions of provincial and municipal dollars have been spent on keeping the Smith Bridge viable, including interim repairs and structural assessments, as well as engineering studies and design drafts for its replacement. These efforts underscore the shared commitment of all parties to preserving this vital community and industry link.

MD Reeve Murray Kerik emphasized that provincial inaction at this stage would have severe financial consequences.

Reeve Kerik further noted that the bridge’s replacement has been a municipal priority for more than three decades.

Proportionate Funding and Fund Reallocation

In the November 4 meeting at the Alberta Legislature, Council put forth two time-sensitive requests of their provincial partners:

1. Proportionate Funding: Provincial establishment of a financially sensible framework for the MD’s contribution to the $84 million construction phase.
2. Fund Reallocation: Provincial endorsement of a plan to apply surplus STIP dollars to fund preparatory construction work at the bridge site.

In prior meetings, Council has relayed to the Province that its standard Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) formula, which mandates a 75 (provincial) and 25 (municipal) funding responsibility, is unworkable, as it would set the MD’s share at $21 million.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Barry Kolenosky explained the financial impossibility of this obligation.

Kolenosky’s stance is that the bridge’s strategic role in regional and provincial resource transport demands a cost-share that accurately reflects its vast provincial economic contribution.

With the exception of securing a firm and sensible co-funding deal with the Province, all foundational elements are complete and in place, including federal permits and First Nation consultations, with the construction tender prepared for issue. However, the MD’s ability to make the 2026 construction window is entirely contingent on securing a provincial commitment this fall.

Reeve Kerik underscored the importance of adhering to the Smith Bridge construction timeline.

Read the Smith Bridge Status Report

In tandem with Council’s November 4 meeting with provincial decision-makers, the MD has released a status report on the Smith Bridge Rebuild Project.

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the project’s progress, detailing the work completed to date, the approaching construction phase, and the anticipated schedule moving forward. Interested readers, including residents, business owners, and local stakeholders, are strongly encouraged to download the full status report today.

Gain a clear understanding of the project’s complexity, the MD’s ongoing efforts to ensure a timely completion, and the significant steps being taken to restore this critical piece of regional infrastructure.

A Word to Our Community Members

You play a meaningful role in moving this project forward. By working with the Province to arrive at a fair and proportionate funding arrangement, we can safeguard a core provincial economic asset, protect a thriving rural community, and ensure the sustained, multi-billion-dollar output of Alberta’s heavy industry producers in our region.

Visit smithbridgematters.ca to explore this initiative in detail and stay up to date with the latest developments.