A strategic crossing that has been in operation for over two centuries has been recognized by the Ontario Heritage Trust.
A provincial plaque was revealed on Friday at the River Canard Bridge, in partnership with the Town of LaSalle, Town of Amherstburg, and the County of Essex.
The first crossing was built at this location in 1793, spanning the Canard River, a dividing line between the amalgamated towns of LaSalle and Amherstburg.
The current bowstring bridge was built in 1937, and is one of the few remaining bowstring bridges in Ontario.
The plaque that was unveiled reads as follows.
"Built in 1937 as part of the Ontario government's Depression-era public works program, the construction of this bridge was funded jointly by the Province and Essex County and provided essential unemployment relief. A significant crossing point on the River Canard since the 18th century, the bridge links the Amherstburg and LaSalle communities. The increase of motorized vehicle traffic necessitated stronger transportation infrastructure, and this reinforced concrete bowstring or tied-arch bridge replaced previous wood truss and steel bridges that came before it. The bridge is an example of early 20th Century concrete engineering in Ontario. The design combined structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal, and it quickly became the pride of the community. Measuring 36.3 metres long and 7.32 metres wide, its defining features include a single-spanned parabolic arch with 11 vertical concrete hangers per side, concrete balustrade railings, and a cantilever sidewalk. This bridge and the neighbouring St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church are connected landmarks of the historical hamlet of River Canard, in one of the earliest French-Canadian settlements in Ontario. Framing the church, this bridge symbolizes innovation in civil engineering and celebrates local heritage and investment in community."
Essex MPP Anthony Leardi recognized the bridge's status as a beloved landmark.
"The bow bridge over River Canard is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Essex County," said Leardi. "You can see the bridge featured in hundreds, if not thousands, of paintings hung in homes all across Essex County. I am happy to see that the Ontario Heritage Trust is officially recognizing this bridge as an important part of our heritage."
The Ontario Heritage Trust is committed to the preservation of "places and landscapes, histories, traditions and stories that embody our heritage, now and for future generations", according to its official website.
