GuelphToday received the following letter to the editor from reader Mike Darmon of the GCAT Advocacy Committee.
Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation (GCAT) is elated that the Emma to Earl street pedestrian bridge is finally nearing its construction date.
The preferred concept will be chosen this year following the public survey available now on Have Your Say Guelph.
A great deal of thanks must be given to our late councillor Bob Bell who was a champion for this bridge for many years. I miss our personal meetings with him advising us on many active transportation issues. He was a man ahead of his time with ideas for making the choice of mobility more equitable to the citizens of Guelph.
I delegated to council on June 22 2022 with (in part) the following:
The Emma to Earl pedestrian bridge is a shining example of what is needed to encourage those less reluctant to bike or walk because they feel unsafe on, or near, busy roads.
Perhaps the least promoted advantage of this pedestrian bridge has been understated. Due to its unique location spanning a beautiful, quiet section of the Speed River away from the noise and distraction of busy roads it will be the jewel in the cap of our envied river trail system. It is placemaking at its finest!
Opportunities to birdwatch, and with views North and South of the river valley, it will become a destination in itself and a meeting place for neighbours both close and further away.
I already see this happening at the new Norwich street Pedestrian bridge which is one of my favourite bridges on the city bike route.
Just this morning I spoke with a young parent who lives near Sunny Acres Park neighbourhood. Their favourite activity is to ride their bikes with their kids on safe trails to various amenities.
She said this bridge will be a lovely and enjoyable destination stop as they access the Spurline Rail Trail starting at London road which connects to the downtown TransCanada rail trail very close to the location of this new bridge.
In conclusion, I hope you can see what possibilities the Emma to Earl bridge opens in terms of Active Transportation Network connectivity and more inclusive equitable and sustainable Transportation choices for everyone in our City.
Mike Darmon
Director and Chair
GCAT Advocacy Committee - The Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation, gcat.ca
