Councilors considering pedestrian bridge Across Muskoka River
Posted: 2023-05-26 14:48:59 By: thebay
Huntsville General Committee directed staff to investigate the possibility of adding a pedestrian bridge
to connect a new park at the Mountainview Treatment Station to River Street, in the May 24, 2023,
meeting.
Another alternative that will be investigated is to add two pedestrian bridges that will connect a new
park to the Treatment site to River Street and Summit Centre.
The recommendation by the Waterfront Strategy Committee asked that staff create a report that
includes both the conversion of River Street to a closed park and making Princess Street one way only as
a prelude to the pedestrian bridge to the Mountainview site.
The request is in line with the Town’s Waterfront Strategy Design Brief to encourage year-round use of
shore-line parks, beaches, and trails with updated features.
Councillor, Scott Morrison, said this can allow for “an outdoor multiple purpose facility with concerts,
farmer’s markets, parties, lacrosse…”
Morrison expressed excitement and suggested that the Active Transportation Department be involved.
He said, “The section is only used by cars trying to race past the lights at Brunel Road…” He added, “It
would be a win because of the speed of traffic…and bring the parks from the other side of the swing
bridge. We’re asking staff to bring information regarding how and if it can be accomplished.”
Morrison suggested the first step would be to close River Street, then add the pedestrian bridge. He
added, “There’s a lot of work to be done before we can get there.”
A lot of residents have had a chance to talk to Morrison about the idea, he said, however, he would “like
to give others a chance to speak about it.”
There will be an opportunity for public engagement if the Committee decides to move forward with the
recommendation once they receive and review the staff report.
Pictured: a pedestrian bridge in Cambridge - a possible example of what could be built - no design concepts have been made or approved by council.
