Downtown Renewal - Macdonell Bridge and Allan's Dam structures

A sub-project of the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program

This component of the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program explores four structures over and in the speed river near Downtown Guelph.

• The Macdonell Bridge: Also known to many community members as Allan’s Bridge, and is a main route for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists travelling to and from Downtown Guelph. Constructed in 1963 and rehabilitated in 1988, the bridge is now in need of repair or replacement.
• Allan's Dam Bridge: located at the Speed River immediately south of the Macdonell Bridge and under the railway tracks, this bridge has been closed due to structural issues and requires consideration for removal or repair.
• Allan's Dam spillway and sluiceway: together making up the dam structure below the Allan's Dam Bridge, these structures work together to limit or release water flow along the river as needed.
• The Ward to Downtown Bridge: Initially a stand-alone project, the potential for an added bridge over the Speed River to serve as an active transportation connection between the Ward neighbourhood and the downtown has been linked to this project so that water structures and connections are considered together in the future vision for infrastructure in the Downtown.

Learn more about the project background and process on Guelph.ca.

Related projects on Have Your Say

• Downtown Renewal - parent page for all sub-projects
• Downtown Renewal: Project and construction planning
• Downtown Heritage Conservation District
• The Ward to Downtown Bridge 

Important Links

City of Guelph website:

• Macdonell and Alan Structures Municipal Class Environmental Assessment
• Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program 

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