At a Glance
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90
Metre Timber Arch
- Location
- Berens River, Ontario
- Offices
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Client
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Seven First Nation
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Partners
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Hexaki
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Award
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Association québécoise des transports (AQTr), Award of Excellence, 2023
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News
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New permanent bridge across the Berens River in Northern Ontario
- Location
- Berens River, Ontario
- Offices
- Client
-
- Seven First Nation
- Partners
-
- Hexaki
- Award
- Association québécoise des transports (AQTr), Award of Excellence, 2023
- News
- New permanent bridge across the Berens River in Northern Ontario
Share
In northern Ontario, year-round access is more than a convenience—it’s a lifeline. For the remote First Nation communities north of the Berens River, a seasonal ice road provides movement of people, goods, and essential services. But in recent years, the ice road has only been accessible for a couple of weeks each winter. The Berens River Bridge is transforming that reality, creating a permanent, climate-resilient connection that supports community well-being, economic development, and sustainability.
Working in close partnership with the Whitefeather Forest Community Resource Management Authority and Seven First Nations, we are providing multidisciplinary engineering services for the design and delivery of this landmark structure. The bridge will feature an innovative engineered timber system, including a 90-metre (295-foot) timber arch—one of the longest of its kind—designed to withstand extreme hydraulic conditions while minimizing environmental impact.
Drawing on specialized expertise from across Canada, our team led structural design, materials selection, and constructability planning, carefully balancing durability, sustainability, and constructability in a remote setting. The use of engineered timber supports local economic aspirations while significantly reducing the project’s carbon footprint compared to traditional materials.
Beyond its technical achievement, the Berens River Bridge reflects a collaborative approach grounded in respect for Indigenous governance, land stewardship, and long-term community goals. When complete, the bridge will provide safe, reliable access throughout the year—connecting communities, supporting future infrastructure development, and setting a new benchmark for sustainable bridge design in Canada and beyond.
" }At a Glance
-
90
Metre Timber Arch
- Location
- Berens River, Ontario
- Offices
-
-
Client
-
-
Seven First Nation
-
-
Partners
-
-
Hexaki
-
-
Award
-
Association québécoise des transports (AQTr), Award of Excellence, 2023
-
News
-
New permanent bridge across the Berens River in Northern Ontario
- Location
- Berens River, Ontario
- Offices
- Client
-
- Seven First Nation
- Partners
-
- Hexaki
- Award
- Association québécoise des transports (AQTr), Award of Excellence, 2023
- News
- New permanent bridge across the Berens River in Northern Ontario