A swing bridge that has long served as a gateway to Manitoulin Island now bears the name of a provincial police officer killed in the line of duty nearly six years ago. The Little Current Swing Bridge on Highway 6 was officially renamed the Constable Marc Hovingh Minjimennikaade Memorial Bridge during a ceremony on Friday. The dedication was attended by family members, Ontario Provincial Police colleagues, community leaders and partners. Const. Marc Hovingh, 52, was shot and killed on Nov. 19, 2020, while responding to a call in Gore Bay. Since 2002, bridges across Ontario have been dedicated in memory of fallen police officers. According to the OPP, the Little Current structure is the only swing bridge ever dedicated to an officer. Unique landmark honours officer’s character James Killeen, chief of the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service, noted the significance of the location chosen for the memorial. “A bridge that connects this country and actually the entire world to the largest freshwater island on the planet,” Killeen said. “That’s how unique this place is. It’s as unique as Marc Hovingh was.” During the ceremony on Sept. 4, retired OPP Const. Marie Ford spoke about the lasting impact the memorial could have on those who encounter it. “Maybe someone who never met Marc will learn that the greatest heroes are often the quiet ones,” she said. “The people who never ask for recognition but spend their lives protecting complete strangers.” The memorial sign is now visible to anyone crossing into Manitoulin Island, ensuring that Hovingh’s name will be seen by thousands who travel the route daily. Bravery award presented to officer’s widow During the same ceremony, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique presented Hovingh’s wife, Lianne Hovingh, with a posthumous Commissioner’s Citation of Bravery. Police are now able to speak publicly about circumstances surrounding Hovingh’s final moments, including actions that prevented further harm. “Despite sustaining fatal injuries, he courageously and bravely engaged the armed suspect, thereby eliminating the threat,” Carrique said. The commissioner also noted that Hovingh’s actions contributed to a significant discovery. “His actions were instrumental in the subsequent discovery of one of the largest caches of explosives and explosive-making materials ever located in Ontario,” he said. Family urges public to remember officer’s character Lianne Hovingh addressed those gathered for the dedication, offering a personal reflection on her husband’s life. The Ontario Provincial Police Association, which also attended the ceremony, described the dedication as a lasting tribute to Hovingh’s service and sacrifice. The association said his legacy as a husband, father, friend and police officer who dedicated his life to serving others will not be forgotten.
