ELORA – The demolition of the Middlebrook Place Bridge is now being reconsidered.
A motion to reconsider the removal of the bridge – previously slated for removal in 2028 – was discussed by Centre Wellington council on July 31.
The motion, which passed when two thirds of councilors voted in favour of reconsideration, directs staff to consult with the Save the Middlebrook Bridge group and Woolwich Township to investigate options for shared funding for rehabilitating the bridge.
The local Mennonite community is also being consulted.
The bridge was built around 1910 and spans the Grand River, connecting Centre Wellington and townships.
The decision to reconsider its removal is primarily the result of the Save the Middlebrook Bridge group’s advocacy.
This is the second time the fate of the bridge has been under reconsideration.
Last year, the previous council passed a motion for reconsideration, at the urging of the Save the Middlebrook Bridge group.
Staff then updated costs for various options for the bridge, with removal expected to cost $720,000 and rehabilitation to cost $1.1 million. Costs would be split between the two townships.
Woolwich was not open to reconsideration at that time, and Centre Wellington returned to its original decision to remove the bridge.
But this year, with new councils in both townships and Save the Middlebrook Bridge officials stating the group’s membership has grown to 3,000, the group decided to return with another request for reconsideration.
Founder Stephanie Lines-Toohill spoke to council on May 29, highlighting the value of the bridge and offering to contribute to fundraising efforts for the expense of rehabilitation.
Councillor Lisa MacDonald then brought that offer and request for reconsideration to Woolwich.
“Woolwich councillors seem to have an appetite,” for repairing the historic bridge, MacDonald said, given the support from the Save the Middlebrook Bridge group.
The bridge is owned by Woolwich Township, and MacDonald noted the Woolwich heritage group is exploring the possibility of selling it to Ontario Heritage Trust.
There is no projected timeline yet, and MacDonald told Save the Middlebrook Bridge representatives at the July 31 meeting hey had “however long it takes,” to secure funding, noting Centre Wellington council will write a letter that the Save the Middlebook Bridge group can use to support fundraising and possible grants.
Though the specifics of rehabilitation have not yet been confirmed, MacDonald noted community feedback on saving the bridge has been regarding pedestrian and bicycle use only, not motor vehicles.
“I haven’t had one inquiry about the need for a vehicle,” she said.
After attending the meeting on July 31, Lines-Toohil said she felt “so relieved,” about councils’ decision.
“It’s been a long road,” she said during a phone call with the Advertiser. “But hooray!” she exclaimed.
Lines-Toohill feels good about the direction for staff to work with the group, but hesitant about the township speaking on its behalf.
Though the group has “people who are willing to fundraise and people who are willing to contribute,” they will not begin fundraising initiatives until council considers other funding options, such as the federal Active Transportation Fund.
The group is also interested in hearing from the township about plights of other bridges.
“We are a bridge of many – what other bridges need help?” Lines-Toohill wondered aloud.
