Funding announcement for Water St. Bridge

Media Release

Town of St. Marys and Deputy Premier of Ontario Announce Funding for Water Street Bridge Repairs

Funding announcement to take place Tuesday, March 15 at 11 am at Water St. Bridge
(alternate location if it is raining is Council Chambers, Town Hall)

ST. MARYS, ON – Mayor Strathdee and Deputy Premier Deb Mathews, along with Town Staff and representatives from the Heritage Committee, will be gathering at the Water St. Bridge on March 15 at 11 am to announce a $198,450 commitment from the Ontario Government for the Water Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project. The Town’s 2016 draft capital budget includes $588,000 for the project and the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) will cover one third of the eligible costs. The OCIF provides $100 million per year to small, rural, and northern communities to support critical core infrastructure projects.

Based on an Environmental Assessment completed in 2015, the Town plans to replace deteriorated steel components of the structure with similar components. The Water Street Bridge was constructed in 1898. It connects the north ward of St. Marys to the rest of the town and provides access to arterial roads into surrounding municipalities. The bridge is a part of the town's trail network and includes a walkway for pedestrians and cyclists. A part of St. Marys’ picturesque waterfront, it is a historic icon and draw for visitors interested in the town's rich heritage.

"We're incredibly grateful to the Ontario Government for their support for the Water St. Bridge Rehabilitation Project," stated Mayor Al Strathdee, "This bridge is not only an essential piece of infrastructure, but also, an important part of St. Marys heritage and culture.”