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The city is counting on $6.9 million from the province to build a new pedestrian bridge over the Rideau Canal, according to the draft 2017 budget.

If the money comes through, the city would pay $3.6 million and the feds would contribute $10.5 million. MP Catherine McKenna announced the federal money in August.

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The $21-million bridge for pedestrians and cyclists would span the canal at Fifth Avenue and Clegg Street.

The province hasn’t announced any funds for the bridge, but the city seems certain about the contribution.

“This project is possible thanks to a strong partnership with the Government of Canada and we are confident that the Province of Ontario will also commit to this project in the near future,” Mayor Jim Watson said in his budget speech Wednesday.

If the funding works out, it will mean the city only has to cover 17 per cent of the construction costs. So, the city is getting a big discount on a major infrastructure project.