The District of Muskoka has awarded the Silver Bridge and Pre-Muskoka Bridge rehabilitation project to Clearwater Structures Inc. for $2.4 million.
It comes after council had a lengthy discussion during the Dec. 15 Committee of the Whole meeting.
According to the report presented by James Steele, commissioner of engineering and public works, the contract value will be up to $6.2 million when combined with the emergency repair funding approved in May.
This brings the total project value to $7.52 million when combined with other costs, including design support, contract administration and inspection, in-house expenditures, and contingency allowances.
During the meeting, council was deeply divided over the project, with debate focusing on the high price tag and whether the historic structure required such extensive rehabilitation.
Council members debated the project extensively, questioning both the $2.4 million contract cost and the actual need for restoration.
Muskoka Lakes Councillor Guy Burry said since the bridge has been closed, he has not noticed a difference.
“I don’t live in Bracebridge, but I do convey around Bracebridge. I have not noticed a difference. I have been able to get around,” he said.
Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney said the community is facing significant challenges, as local streets were never designed for the high volume of traffic currently being diverted through residential neighbourhoods, sparking serious safety concerns.
“Having the bridge not operational in our community, in Bracebridge, for almost a year now has been nothing but challenging to the point of almost disastrous to get around our community,” said Maloney.
District Chair Jeff Lehman said both the Silver Bridge and Pre-Muskoka Bridge projects were already part of the District’s capital plan prior to the structural failure.
As a result of these discussions, council approved the total cost of the project for the rehabilitation of the Silver Bridge and Pre-Muskoka Bridge.
Staff confirmed that construction is slated for completion by this time next year.
