The Ward to Downtown bridge

Update 2024:

The Ward to Downtown bridge is now under consideration as part of the Downtown Infrastructure Program: Macdonell and Allan's Dam structures project. Please visit that page for up to date information and engagement activities

About the bridge concept: 

The Ward to Downtown bridge will connect people walking and cycling across the Speed River from St. Patrick’s Ward to downtown. Following an open house in spring 2018, the community helped us decide on a preferred bridge design concept and we’re ready to present the refined concept including the trail and plaza to you. This is your opportunity to view project information, including maps and the trail connection, and to ask questions about the proposed concept. 

To meet the objective for a new pedestrian bridge and trail connection over the Speed River, PLANT Architect Inc. has worked collaboratively with the City of Guelph. The design is based on the following design principles: 

• Improve pedestrian and cyclist safety 
• Link St. Patrick’s Ward and Downtown 
• Create a new gathering space 
• Emphasize the views southwards from the bridge 
• Celebrate Guelph’s cultural and ecological history 
• Reveal the history of symbiosis of water and industry 
• Protect and enhance sensitive environmental features 
• Evoke and enhance the industrial character of The Ward 

The landscape design extends east from the bridge along a trail leading to Arthur Street, and west from the bridge through a Plaza at the intersection of MacDonnell Street and Wellington Street East. The south side of the Plaza will connect to the existing pedestrian sidewalk that runs through Heritage Park to Neeve Street. 

Please note: This project began in an older version of our website. Some of the tools and information may appear different than originally designed.

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