NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF GUELPH
*************************
The community has selected the final design for the Ward to Downtown Bridge. Option one, featuring a bench, wide deck for river viewing, and a lookout area was voted as the favourite design option.
“We’re very excited to see this project come to life,” says Luke Jefferson, manager of Open Space Planning with the City of Guelph. “Our community has waited a long time for a safe and vibrant bridge that connects one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods with the downtown.”
Three designs were presented at a community open house on April 12, 2018 and 37 residents filled out a survey in person and online to select their favourite option. Option one was the most popular, with over 60 per cent of the votes. The bridge’s key features may include:
- A widened middle deck for better viewing and foot traffic
- An open mesh railing on the south, river-facing side
- A lookout area
- A bench for resting
- A solid railing on the railway side
Over the next few months, the City will host a second public open house and consult with our community partners and stakeholders to refine the final design. The Ward to Downtown Bridge will be placed in the 10-year budget forecast for council consideration.
*************************
