A new pedestrian and cycling bridge connect Guelph neighbourhood

Getting around Guelph is now a bit easier with the opening of a new accessible pedestrian and cycling bridge connecting Emma Street and Earl Street. Mayor Cam Guthrie joined residents for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion. The bridge creates a safe and convenient route across the Speed River, helping people in nearby neighbourhoods—and the wider community—travel more easily without relying on cars.

Mayor Guthrie emphasized that the new bridge strengthens Guelph’s active transportation network by linking directly to the Downtown Trail and improving access to and from the city’s downtown. City staff shared in the excitement with Kyle Gibson, Acting General Manager of Engineering and Transportation Services, noting that the bridge is part of broader upgrades along the Speedvale Avenue East corridor. Furthermore, he expressed appreciation for residents’ patience throughout the design and construction process.

It should be noted that the final design was determined by the community’s feedback that played a significant. Initially, in October 2023, the City gathered input through an online survey that presented two potential concepts. More than 500 residents responded, and the steel girder design by Entuitive and BT Engineering received the most support. Construction began in April, and hence the 81-metre bridge now stands as both a practical improvement to local transportation and a reflection of strong community engagement from start to finish.