West Montrose Covered Bridge

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The West Montrose Covered Bridge is Ontario’s last remaining covered bridge.  Located in Woolwich Township, the bridge has a 198-foot span across the Grand River.

Built in 1881, visitors come from all over the world to experience this picturesque and unique bridge. The roof over the bridge protects the large timbers and trusses from the elements; this is also the reason the bridge is still standing after more than 100 years. It is also the reason it is often referred to as “The Kissing Bridge”, as early horse and buggy drivers would sneak a kiss while driving through the sheltered bridge.

The structure is still used by pedestrians, buggy traffic and vehicles weighing less than three tonnes for crossing the river. Since 1998, it has been owned and maintained by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo.

The West Montrose Covered Bridge was designated as a Provincial Historic Site in August 1960. In 2007, the Township of Woolwich designated it as being of cultural heritage value or interest under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. The bridge is also listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

In 2018, the structure was one of the eight recognized under the region’s Heritage Bridge Recognition Program.

DYK: In 2019, the West Montrose Covered Bridge received its own stamp, issued by Canada Post

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