Ontario’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change gave formal approval for Erin to proceed with the restoration of the Station Street bridge and dam in Hillsburgh, according to a Feb. 2 press release from the town.
Approval was provided after staff from various provincial ministries and agencies reviewed nine separate objections (part two orders).
The objections were largely dismissed by the minister, states the release.
The Station Street bridge has needed repairs as far back as the 1970s. More recently, emergency repair work was required, which prompted an attempt at a full replacement.
The town undertook the required environmental assessment.
“Moving this project forward expeditiously is of crucial importance to the community and the ability to move people and provide essential emergency services,” states the release.
The bridge is the most direct route from urban Hillsburgh to the new library slated to open this spring.
“I am pleased that the minister agreed with the town’s position on this important issue,” said Mayor Allan Alls.
“This structure is important to the successful movement of people throughout our community, and will continue to serve as an essential link. The added benefit of the province allowing the pond to stay is that we will continue to maintain an important cultural amenity that is a landmark of our community.”
