Puslinch councillors would like to see a cost-benefit analysis before making any final decisions on the fate of Stroy’s bridge.
But it seemed to take some persuasion to convince engineer Hans Groh there are options other than removal for the century-old structure, which spans the Speed River on a closed portion of Sideroad 10 about one kilometre north of Laird Road West.
“The existing facilities have to be removed,” Groh said of the bridge and box culvert. “They are both unsafe.”
Groh, a township consultant with the engineering firm Gamsby and Mannerow, said the preferred option was always to remove the structure, and he noted none of the commenting agencies are opposed to that outcome.
He acknowledged there have been several concerns expressed by residents, including members of the Guelph Hiking Trail Club, who want some sort of way to cross the river. However, Groh said there is still access to a nearby trail from the north side of Stroy’s bridge.
He told council he would like to move forward with the environmental assessment process – including responding to concerns of residents – which was based on the premise of tearing down the bridge.
But several councillors wondered why the study could not include information on all available options, including saving the current structure and abutments or replacing everything entirely.
“I always considered an environmental assessment an aid in decision making, not a substitute for decision making,” councillor Matthew Bulmer told Groh.
Councillor Dick Visser agreed, and said he is “dismayed” with the idea of removing the bridge so quickly.
“I’m surprised it can’t be rehabilitated,” Visser said.
He mentioned various other capital projects in the township, including a new library and multi-use recreational facility in Aberfoyle, and said it is time the residents in the northwest portion of Puslinch got their share of recreation spending.
Councillor Don McKay said he would like to save as many historical structures as possible, but not at the expense of public safety. He, too, wanted to see options for saving the bridge, but also wondered about replacing it with a new pedestrian bridge – and the costs for both.
Groh said he would try to come back to council with a cost-benefit analysis that includes all options for the bridge.
