The ribbon has been cut, the first crossings are complete, and Smiths Falls has a new landmark in Confederation Park.
Dignitaries and more than 100 residents gathered Friday morning for the official opening of the new timber bridge, which has already become a talking point in the heart of town.
Mayor Shawn Pankow tells LanarkLeedsToday.ca the bridge is already attracting attention from residents and visitors.
The bridge has not yet been officially named, but it is already being seen as a striking new feature in downtown Smiths Falls. The structure improves pedestrian and cyclist connections through Confederation Park, while creating a welcoming new space for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Those at the ceremony included Liberal MP Bruce Fanjoy, who sits on the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. Local officials and community members were on hand as the ribbon was snipped and the first wave of people crossed.
The project was made possible in part through funding from Natural Resources Canada under the Green Construction Through Wood program, also known as GCWood. Created in 2017, the program encourages the use of modern construction methods using advanced wood-based building products, systems and technologies, including prefabricated structural components.
The new bridge was built using mass timber elements and modern construction methods. The project reflects the Town’s focus on sustainable infrastructure, renewable materials, innovation and placemaking.
The Town is also recognizing designer and builder StructureCraft, Natural Resources Canada, project partners, contractors and staff who helped bring the project to life.
The early reviews were strong, with residents calling the bridge a welcome addition to Confederation Park.
Some wasted no time making use of it, including one cyclist who took his bike across at the first opportunity.
Others were drawn to the look of the structure, especially the roof design, which several people said gives the bridge an iconic feel.
The materials also stood out. One person crossing the bridge said the design fits nicely with the park and the surrounding area.
Council had previously said a discussion on the bridge’s official name would happen soon.
For now, the new crossing is open for everyone to enjoy. Pankow is even encouraging residents to bring a chair, take in the scenery and enjoy the newest addition to Confederation Park.
Check it out! Join Bob on a stroll across the bridge.
