Confederation Bridge opening deferred as Parks Canada limits lighting and unfinished work delays winter opening
SMITHS FALLS — Smiths Falls residents will have to wait until spring to cross the new Confederation Bridge.
Public Works Director Paul McMunn told council Monday night during the regular committee of the whole meeting that late-season conditions, unfinished approach work and remaining landscaping make a winter opening unsafe.
Coun. Chris McGuire expressed frustration over a scaled-back decorative lighting plan after Parks Canada rejected the glow-style arch lighting council had previously approved.
McMunn said Parks Canada has endorsed just one of the three decorative lighting concepts submitted by the town’s consultant. The approved plan relies on projection and accent lighting rather than the integrated LED arch lighting council originally backed.
McGuire said the decision undermines council’s earlier vote and community expectations.
“We approved something. We got funding for something. And we’re not getting what we paid for,” he said.
Coun. Dawn Quinn agreed, saying the town has repeatedly struggled with Parks Canada’s approval process.
McMunn said he will circulate drawings showing how the approved fixtures will illuminate the arches.
Winter opening ruled out
Although structural work, handrail lighting and deck lighting are progressing, approach paving, landscaping and stone capping can’t be finished this year. Without asphalt, both ends of the bridge would sit at a sloped granular base.
McMunn warned that once freeze–thaw conditions begin, the surface becomes unpredictable, especially for people using mobility devices.
“My professional recommendation is that we do not open the bridge this fall,” he said.
Mayor Shawn Pankow asked whether the town could temporarily open the structure and finish the last pieces in spring.
McMunn said accessibility and liability concerns make that unrealistic.
Work will resume as soon as asphalt plants reopen in 2026, McMunn said, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony will follow once the remaining landscaping, stonework and paving are complete.
Water tower remains on track
McMunn reported positive progress on the town’s new water tower, which is still scheduled for turnover on Dec. 10. Paving of the access road and yard was set for Tuesday, with pressure testing and disinfection work underway this week.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is tentatively planned for Dec. 12.
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