A bridge on Manitoulin Island has been dedicated with memorial signs in honor of an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer who tragically lost his life in a shooting incident in 2020. Constable Marc Hovingh, aged 52, was fatally shot while responding to a call in Gore Bay on November 19, 2020. The suspect, aged 60, was also killed during the exchange of gunfire.
In a ceremony held near the bridge in Little Current, the OPP and various dignitaries paid tribute to Hovingh. The newly installed memorial signs bearing his name can now be seen on the Little Current Swing Bridge that spans the North Channel on Highway 6 in Manitoulin Island.
Speaking at the ceremony, retired OPP Constable Marie Ford expressed that every individual passing over the bridge will now see Hovingh’s name. She highlighted Hovingh’s character, describing him as a dedicated officer who served his community with kindness, humility, and bravery. Ford mentioned that while many are familiar with Hovingh’s legacy, future generations may learn about his selfless service and quiet heroism.
With 26 years of service in the OPP, Hovingh left behind his wife and four children. During the dedication ceremony, his wife, Lianne Hovingh, shared her gratitude for the support received and emphasized the importance of remembering her husband’s contributions. The new sign on the bridge also features the Anishinaabe word “Minjemennakaade,” meaning “hold steadfast to the memory,” as a tribute to Hovingh’s enduring legacy.