The Government of Canada has a constitutional obligation to ensure that Prince Edward Island is linked to the mainland, as specified in the Constitution Act of 1867 and the 1873 Terms of Union.

Historically, this commitment was met by the provision of a ferry service. In 1993, the Government of Canada and Strait Crossing Development Inc. (SCDI) entered into agreements that would see the private sector (SCDI) finance, design and construct a bridge across the Northumberland Strait. In return, the Government of Canada agreed to pay a 35-year annual subsidy based on what the government was paying annually to operate the ferry service and the future capital costs to continue that service.

The bridge opened to traffic on May 31, 1997. The agreements also provide for SCDI to operate the Confederation Bridge for 35 years. In return, the Government of Canada allows SCDI to collect tolls on the bridge to pay for its day-to-day operations and to finance the long-term maintenance requirements for the bridge, with any residual being the profit of the operator. At the end of the 35 years, the bridge will revert back to the government to operate and maintain for what remains of the 100-year design life of the bridge.

Transport Canada’s Atlantic Region plays an oversight role to ensure that the terms of the agreements are complied with in the day-to-day operation of the bridge. The Department is also responsible for the larger corporate issues, the annual payment and the approval of change to toll rates and toll structure.

For more information, call: (506) 851-7573
                                    email: saunder@tc.gc.ca

You can also view the Bridge operator’s Website at: http://www.confederationbridge.com/