The public will get a chance to walk across Pakenham’s historic Five Span Bridge before it reopens to vehicle traffic.
Lanark County and the Municipality of Mississippi Mills are inviting residents, businesses and visitors to a community preview on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 1:30 p.m.
Construction on the bridge’s restoration is progressing ahead of schedule following two years of work.
The event will include brief remarks, a ceremonial cake cutting, refreshments and an opportunity to speak with members of the project team involved in restoring the stone bridge.
A community drone photo is planned for about 2:15 p.m., giving attendees a chance to be part of a group photo marking the bridge’s restoration.
People attending will also have an opportunity to take home a piece of original bridge stone from the project in exchange for a donation to the Pakenham Public School kindergarten yard renovation project.
Lanark County Warden Richard Kidd says the reopening marks the completion of an important heritage and infrastructure project.
The Five Span Bridge has been a defining feature of Pakenham for more than a century.
The restoration was designed to preserve the bridge for future generations while maintaining its historic character.
Residents are being encouraged to attend the preview and celebrate the return of the community landmark before regular vehicle traffic resumes.
