Ontario Construction News staff writer
Smiths Falls is set to unveil Ontario’s first modern timber, steel, and stone pedestrian bridge, offering a striking blend of sustainability and historical charm over the Rideau Canal. The new Confederation Drive Pedestrian Bridge, currently under construction, will replace the previous structure, which was decommissioned in 2015.
Designed and built by StructureCraft, the 50-metre (164-foot) bridge features elegant Alaskan Yellow Cedar glulam arches that rise nearly 9 metres above the deck, supporting a sweeping, doubly curved metal roof. This covered design, a key request from the town, protects both pedestrians and the timber structure while allowing rain to shed naturally without the need for gutters.
To preserve the natural waterway, the bridge’s clear-span design eliminates the need for in-water construction, with abutments placed directly behind the existing canal walls. Stone-clad concrete transitions seamlessly from timber at these points, while the arch design minimizes exposure of the lower wood for added durability.
With symmetrical viewing platforms on each side, the bridge offers both functionality and a scenic experience, integrating seamlessly into the historical landscape of the Rideau Canal—one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. The deck consists of pre-stressed timber panels that cantilever at the midspan, enhancing both strength and aesthetics.
The project team includes landscape architect Fotenn, environmental consultant Kilgour & Associates, and geotechnical firm Thurber Engineering.