QUEENSTON, ONTARIO — The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Dr. Kenneth E. Loucks, chair of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, today celebrated the completion of the external structure – or “topping-off ” – of the central plaza building at the Queenston-Lewiston International Bridge.

Queenston-Lewiston Bridge Plaza

“As one of the busiest Canada-U.S. border crossings, the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge is essential to trade with the United States,” said Minister Nicholson. “The Government of Canada is proud to have invested in this project, which is creating jobs in the Niagara region and contributing to efficient trade and travel over the long term.”

“It is a pleasure to announce that the revitalization plans for the Queenston Plaza are progressing on schedule and budget,” said Dr. Loucks. “We are thankful to the Government of Canada for its investment, which will help make this international crossing one of the most efficient of the bridges along the U.S. and Canadian border.”

This project is part of the work to create a new central building for the Canada Border Services Agency and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. This building will provide additional space and improved facilities for the Agencies’ personnel to process travellers in the most efficient and safest way possible.

This project is part of the second phase of improvements to the Canadian Plaza at the Queenston-Lewiston International Bridge currently underway. Phase Two also includes the construction of 10 passenger vehicle primary inspection booths, a separate bus processing lane and associated works. Once completed, Phase Two improvements will result in faster processing times for travelers, strengthening trade and tourism between Canada and the United States.
 
The total cost of Phase Two is estimated at $76.5 million, with the Government of Canada contributing up to $62 million through the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund (Building Canada Plan), which has been accelerated through Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission is contributing the remainder.