Region seeking public input on future of iconic ‘Kissing Bridge’

It’s served as a landmark in Woolwich Township for nearly 150 years, but it needs some repairs to maintain its title as Ontario’s last covered bridge.

The West Montrose Covered Bridge, also known as the “Kissing Bridge,” has served as an iconic crossing over the Grand River in Woolwich since it was built in 1881.

The bridge’s last major renovation was in 1991, and the local landmark is in need of some major repairs.

The Region of Waterloo recently completed an assessment of the bridge, and have recommended a number of updates to extend the Kissing Bridge’s life.

The Region of Waterloo is accepting public input on the future renovations from now until Sept. 20.

Those updates include replacing the roof and the red exterior wood, reinforcing sections of the bridge to accommodate a 10-ton load, and installing a height restriction bar to keep large vehicles from crossing.

Other recommended improvements include:

• Replacing the window louvres.
• Replacing the wooden curbs.
• Adding a new timber guiderail.
• Replacing the stringers with new sawn wood stringers.

You can view their full list of recommendations and have your say on the future of the bridge at www.engagewr.ca/west-montrose.