Port Hastings, Nova Scotia – Transport Canada

The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced the transfer of the Canso Causeway and swing bridge to the Province of Nova Scotia. The transfer includes an investment of up to $9 million for rehabilitation of the infrastructure.

Quick Facts

• The Canso Causeway (and swing bridge) was opened in 1955 by the Government of Canada and it is the only surface transportation link between mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island.
• The Canso Causeway is a 1.5 kilometre-long earthen structure, consisting of ten million tons of quarried rock, which spans the Strait of Canso. At a maximum depth of 65 metres, it is the deepest rock-filled causeway in the world. The swing bridge spans the Canso Canal at the eastern end of the causeway.

Quotes

“This government is committed to enhancing the lives and livelihood of Canadians, improving tourism opportunities, and strengthening the economies of communities through investments in transportation infrastructure. We are pleased to have transferred the Canso Causeway and swing bridge to the Province, which is best positioned to operate and support this key intra-provincial transportation link.”
The Honourable Lisa Raitt 
Minister of Transport

“Assuming full control of the Canso Causeway is good news for the province recognizing the Causeway is a critical piece of infrastructure linking Cape Breton and Newfoundland to mainland Nova Scotia. The new agreement means the province will now own the Causeway and swing bridge. The federal government will continue to own and maintain the Canal and navigational locks. The repairs to the bridge will extend its life 25 years.” 
The Honourable Geoff MacLellan
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
Province of Nova Scotia