Township, Federal and Provincial Representatives Celebrate Bridge Opening

BADEN, ONT., Nov. 16, 2023 – Today, three levels of government gathered in Wilmot to celebrate the opening of a popular community bridge that links this rural community to other parts of the Township and Waterloo Region.

Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen, Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis and Scott McNab, representing Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Legislative Affairs, spoke about the importance of government partnerships in creating and maintaining much-needed infrastructure in rural areas.

The Township received an investment of $3.1 million contributed through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The project total is $5.3 million.

The Bridge Street Bridge crosses the Nith River and is a major connector for rural areas in the south end of Wilmot. The updated Bridge Street Bridge was completed in September 2023 and is already in use, enhancing travel for residents, farmers and other businesses.

The original camel-back truss bridge, built in the early 1900s, was permanently closed in 2022. The original bridge will be memorialized through a future structure formed out of the bridge pieces.

Bridge Street Bridge Project Facts

• One-lane bridge replaced with a two-lane concrete bridge
• Height and weight restrictions now removed 
• Reduced risk of bridge flooding
• Increased traffic circulation due to increase to two lanes.

New bridge includes:

• New foundation, abutments and superstructure
• Reinforced concrete deck and barrier walls
• Reconstructed roadway approaches
• Erosion and sediment control measures.

Links

Current Projects - Wilmot Township

Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program

Quotes

Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis
“Today we celebrate the opening of the historic Bridge Street Bridge, with a $3.1 million investment through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to support the project. Investing in rural infrastructure will create jobs and ensure rural communities remain among the best places to live, work, and raise a family.”

Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris
 “I am extremely pleased that the newly constructed Bridge Street Bridge is open and serving the residents and visitors of our Township. This bridge represents a crucial piece of local infrastructure that will benefit the community for generations, offering a structurally safe and accessible means for moving goods, services, equipment and people.

I am thankful to our Ontario Government and municipal and federal partners for their leadership in prioritizing local community infrastructure here in Wilmot.”

Mayor Natasha Salonen
Township of Wilmot
“On behalf of my colleagues on Council, I want to thank our federal and provincial partners for this investment of $3.1 million in Wilmot’s infrastructure. Updating the Bridge Street Bridge contributes to improved travel for residents, farmers and other businesses, while enhancing the local economy.”  

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Media contact:
Donna L. Kell | Manager of Communications and Strategic Initiatives
Township of Wilmot | 519-778-3782 | donna.kell@wilmot.ca