St. Marys River Rapids Habitat Feasibility Study

The successful proponent will determine the physical, ecological and economic feasibility of undertaking actions FF-6 c and f (creating new or augmenting existing rapids areas in the St. Marys River) and FF-6e (creating wetlands in association with the existing Big Rapids), as outlined in the St. Marys River Stage 2 RAP report. This project will not be seeking preliminary or detailed designs, but instead the determination of the feasibility for developing designs that will work in the selected locations of the study. The results of the feasibility study will be used to support future discussions with respect to creating and/or restoring rapids habitat in a manner that realizes the greatest ecological gains based on what is physically feasible, and thus enhance spawning opportunities for fish species indigenous to the St. Marys River and/or its tributaries. In undertaking the tasks outlined below, it is paramount that any future rapids habitat project must function from a hydrologic and geomorphic perspective. The study area is to be limited to the Canadian side of the St. Marys River. As outlined in the individual tasks below, the study area includes: the “Big Rapids” of the St. Marys River near the city of Sault Ste. Marie; the northern shoreline of the St. Marys River downstream of the “Big Rapids”; and tributaries to the St. Marys River, including Big Carp River, Fort Creek, Root River, Garden River, Echo River and Bar River (see Map, p 7). The proposed contract will be from the date of contract award, approximately 16 September 2013 to 31 March 2015. The maximum budget allocated for this project shall not exceed $130,000.00 (HST extra), (including all labour, associated costs, travel, and subcontractors).