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people walking towards bridge on paved path alongside the river
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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. 

 

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52 participants

Who's Listening

Mallory Lemon ,OALA, CSLA, Park Planner 

Mallory.Lemon@guelph.ca  


Phases

Phases overview
Environmental Assessment - 2017
Design Phase One - Spring 2018
Comments and Questions - Site Plan
Comments and Questions - Bridge Design
Comments and Questions - Landscape plan and materials
Design Phase One - Fall 2018
Design Phase Two - 2019

Comments and Questions - Landscape plan and materials

July 16, 2018 - August 6, 2018

Bridge lighting, planting, and paving help to orient cyclists and pedestrians safely across the bridge and through a new Plaza. The Plaza, which is designed as the West entry gateway to the bridge and trail network, starts at the intersection of MacDonnell and Wellington streets and extends under the existing raised railway viaduct to the new bridge and to the existing pedestrian sidewalk running South along Wellington. Planting species are selected to enhance biodiversity, wildlife habit and the natural heritage system while also addressing safety and maintenance concerns. A meeting place with benches is provided under the viaduct where pedestrians and cyclists can safely stop while not blocking the trail. 

The Eastern trail extension is located on a narrow strip of land between the Grand Junction Railway tracks to the North and the new Metalworks development to the South. This section of trail connects South to the Riverwalk Trail. 

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