All blog articles reference persons and/or historic sites and events that are cited in the Discover Canada Study Guide and include relevant information necessary for Canadian Citizenship test preparation.

History of Confederation Bridge

When Prince Edward Island joined the Dominion of Canada in 1873, the Canadian government was obligated to provide:

“Efficient steam service for the conveyance of mails and passengers to be established and maintained between the Island and then mainland of the Dominion, winter and summer, thus placing the Island in Continuous communication with the Intercolonial Railway and the railway system of the Dominion….”

The first means of transporting passengers and goods across the Northumberland Strait following Confederation involved steamship services.  Turbulent winter weather and the inability of the underpowered steamships to break the ice, precipitated the introduction of iceboats. These iceboats were 16 feet in length and could carry no more than 4 passengers at a time.  The Canadian citizens who lived in PEI felt neither safe nor secure using these modes of transportation.

Consequently a ferry service was introduced in 1915 which operated on the former steamship routes.  Ferry service was the best available means of transportation at the time, however, gathering ice and complex tidal cycles in the Strait continued to add challenges for smooth, dependable transportation of people, goods and services.

Conversation regarding the building of a fixed link began in the mid-20th century.  Some of the Canadian citizens living in PEI originally opposed the building of a bridge because they thought that easier available transportation would result in the overpopulation of the island.  These folks enjoyed the peace the island provided and they did not want non-inhabitants and tourists invading their area. An anti-link group, Friends of the Island, cited potential ecological damage.  A pro-link group, Islanders for a Better Tomorrow, suggested that reliable transportation to the Island would result in improvements for all services and would increase the tourist industry which would be advantageous for the economy of the Island.

These developments lead to an extremely divisive debate, and Premier Joe Ghiz promised a plebiscite to gauge public support.  This was held on January 18, 1988.  The result was 59.4% in favour of the fixed link. 

A Fixed Link is Constructed

Bridge construction began in the fall of 1993, with the selection and construction of staging facilities.  Bridge components were built on land year-round from 1994 until the fall of 1996. 

Top grade concrete and reinforced steel were used throughout construction of the precast components.  The lifespan of the concrete structure has been set at 100 years.  It was built to withstand iceberg impacts and ice that forms in the Strait.  Large ships and other sea vessels are able to pass under it.

Over 5,000 workers, ranging from laborers and specialty trades, to engineers, surveyors and managers were involved in construction.

Engineers incorporated a number of unique safety features along the 12.9 kilometer structure including:  curves to ensure drivers remain attentive and therefore reduce the potential for accidents; a road surface made of a long-lasting bituminous mixture that minimizes vehicle spray during wet weather; concrete barrier walls, 1.1 meter high that minimize distraction and serve as a windbreak; and more than 7,000 drain ports for the runoff of rainwater and melting snow and ice.

A Bridge is Named

The federal government received a number of suggestions for names.  A committee was formed, chaired by former PEI Premier, Alex Campbell, to choose a name from the submissions.  The committee chose the name “Abegweit Crossing.”  However, after review, the Canadian government announced that it would be named “Confederation Bridge.”  It was officially opened on May 31, 1997.

 A Unique Canadian Landmark

Confederation Bridge is an engineering marvel. Today, approximately 4,000 vehicles per day and 1.5 million vehicles per year travel on it.  Canadian citizens and visitors alike have made this continuous multispan bridge a tourist destination.  With convenient access to the Island,  people can now travel to the historic site of Anne of Green Gables and also the birthplace of Confederation, as well as many other interesting places.

Tolls and Restrictions

All vehicles are charged a toll fee when departing from Prince Edward Island. Pedestrians and cyclists are not permitted to cross the bridge.  A shuttle service is available for a fee.  Travel restrictions apply for certain vehicles during inclement weather conditions.  It is always advised to check the Confederation Bridge website for travel restrictions.

Joy Dirks

December, 2022

**Official Canadian citizenship was not established until 1947.  Reference made to Canadian citizens prior to 1947 is intended to imply that these individuals were “residents” of Canada and as British subjects were “citizens” of Canada in an informal sense.