The District Municipality of Muskoka has selected Clearwater Construction Inc. to complete the rehabilitation of the historic Silver Bridge in Bracebridge.

District officials are finalizing contract details, with construction staging and rehabilitation design expected to begin immediately.

“I’m incredibly pleased that collaboration between District staff and our industry partners has allowed us to make such significant progress in such a short time,” said James Steele, Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works. “Everyone involved clearly understood how important this infrastructure is to the community and worked quickly to move the project forward.”

Initial on-site work is expected to begin before the end of the year, allowing construction activity to continue through the winter, provided conditions remain safe and suitable for the crews.

Located on Ecclestone Drive in downtown Bracebridge, the Silver Bridge spans the north branch of the Muskoka River near the Bracebridge Falls Dam. Built in the late 1920s, the three-span structure features two steel girder approach spans and a 46metre main “through truss” span, making it one of Muskoka’s few remaining heritage truss bridges.

The bridge underwent major rehabilitations in 1985 and 2001, which included deck repairs, truss strengthening, and recoating of steel members. Its distinctive design and silver finish have made it a longstanding landmark and symbol of Bracebridge’s history and identity.