Today is your last chance to visit the West Montrose covered bridge before it closes for a 16-month restoration starting tomorrow. Known as the “Kissing Bridge,” it’s the last remaining covered bridge in Ontario and a beloved local landmark.
The $12 million project will run through to the end of 2026. Michelle Pinto, senior engineer with the Region of Waterloo, says the goal is to preserve the bridge’s historic charm while improving safety. “We’re excited to restore such an important local landmark,” she said.
The bridge will be fully closed to visitors during construction. Pinto says the community values the bridge’s heritage and that the team considered several options before settling on a plan that maintains its original structure as much as possible.
Proposed restoration renderings:
-
- Existing vs. Post Rehabilitation
-
- Remove Steel Bailey Truss
-
- Replace Needle and Floor Beams
-
- Height Restriction Bar
-
- New Overhead Wood Lateral Bracing
