MD Urges Provincial Action on Smith Bridge Construction

Provincial Co-funding Formula Critical

On November 4, 2025, Lesser Slave River Council and Administration met with provincial decision-makers, aiming to finalize a co-funding formula agreement and commitment for the $84 million Smith Bridge construction phase. Council is pressing for a timely provincial decision to keep the project on track for the Q1 2026 construction envelope.

Download the Minister's Briefing

To move forward with this critical infrastructure project, the Province must 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.

“After years of careful preparation, we are poised to proceed to the construction phase of this project,” states Reeve Murray Kerik. “To do so, however, we require firm and equitable financial backing from the Alberta Government. Delays in securing such a commitment will threaten our plans for a 2026 construction start and 2028 completion.”

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

“We need a formula that accounts for our tax base, and that recognizes the value of this economic corridor to Alberta’s long-term success.”

— Reeve Kerik

Proportionate Funding and Fund Reallocation

Council has two time-sensitive requests for their provincial partners:

Proportionate Funding: Provincial establishment of a financially sensible framework for the MD’s contribution to the $84 million construction phase.
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.

“Our municipality has a residential tax base of just 2,800. This $21 million obligation is financially prohibitive and would require diverting all essential funds from other critical infrastructure, jeopardizing the regional network to subsidize a provincial economic asset.”

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.

Maintaining Project Momentum

In addition to seeking a financial agreement, Council will request provincial approval to reallocate surplus STIP funds to accelerate the project timeline.

The pre-planning phase for the Smith Bridge Rebuild project incurred lower costs thanks to fiscally prudent management, resulting in a considerable surplus. With the Province’s blessing, Council will redirect the intended use of these funds toward pre-construction/site operations (site clearing and readiness).

“Given the environmental and seasonal constraints of our region, starting this work immediately is the only way to adhere to the overall project schedule.”

— CAO Kolenosky

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.

“A decisive funding commitment is a provincial investment in long-term economic stability. Inaction at this stage is not prudence; it is financial waste.”

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.

Download the Status Report