The West Montrose Covered Bridge
The West Montrose covered bridge is recognized as a historic site by Ontario's
Archeological & Historic Sites Board. It is Ontario's last remaining covered
bridge and has a 198' span across the Grand River. Visitors come from all over
the world to see and photograph this picturesque bridge.
The blue sign erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation, to the right of the
bridge opening, reads:
This structure, the only remaining covered bridge in Ontario, was designed by
John Bear in 1880, on the authority of Woolwich Township Council, to replace
an earlier bridge over the Grand River. Built a year later by John and his brother
Benjamin, the 60 m bridge was covered to protect the wooden flooring and frame
against the elements. Known locally as the Kissing Bridge, it later came under
the jurisdiction of Waterloo County. In 1937 the province assumed responsibility
for the Guelph-Elmira Road, including the West Montrose Bridge, and its floor and
sub-structure were subsequently rebuilt and reinforced.
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