Tuesday August 10, 2010 will be recognized as an historically important date for the riding of SD&G. I make this statement because on this date I had the pleasure of welcoming the newly appointed Government House Leader, The Honourable John Baird to Cornwall to announce the construction of the $75 million low level bridge connecting Cornwall and Cornwall Island.

The new 400 metre low level span will replace the 50 year old Seaway International North Span bridge that is 1.6 km long. Not only will this new aesthetically attractive structure totally transform the Cornwall waterfront, it will have a significant impact on the entire riding's economy. It will have a huge immediate impact on the area's economy as well as play a role in our long term growth.

The current bridge accommodates 2.3 million passenger transits annually, as well as 120,000 commercial crossings. This qualifies the Cornwall Port of Entry as the 9th busiest border crossing along the Canada-US border. The height, age and access to the current bridge discourages many travellers (commercial and private) from using the Cornwall crossing as an crossing point to either country.

Although four major highways cross our riding, thousands of international travellers chose to drive right through the area to use alternative ports of entry. Having a short, attractive, efficient low level bridge will save travellers time, minimize traffic congestion, and help make international travel a more pleasant experience.

There is no doubt that the new low level bridge will result in a very significant increase in the use of the Cornwall crossing. Some optimists predict an increase of almost double. More travellers mean more shoppers looking for gas, meals, motel rooms etc. in our communities from Dundas County right through to the Quebec border. This new critical piece of infrastructure will also help in attracting new businesses to our riding. I truly believe August 10 will go down in history as a turning point in our economic recovery and add to our future growth.

Guy Lauzon
Member of Parliament
Stormont-Dundas- South Glengarry