LAURIE WEIR
While progress is being made on the long-awaited Confederation Bridge replacement in Smiths Falls, the real action this week is above ground — literally — as the town’s new water tower is set to rise Thursday morning in a dramatic public hoisting event.
“It’ll be a slow process,” said public works and utilities director Paul McMunn during his April 28 update to the committee of the whole. “But exciting to witness.”
The lift is expected to begin around 7 a.m. and continue into the afternoon, weather permitting. Residents are encouraged to come watch the action unfold.
The water tower, a $9.8-million investment, began in 2024 and is set to be completed in 2025. More project details here.
Confederation Bridge opening pushed to October
As for the Confederation Bridge, ground has officially been broken, but a delay means the project’s completion is now pushed to October.
Crews have been relocating hydro lines suspended beneath the existing bridge, which remains in place. McMunn said the structure will be removed toward the end of May, with concrete foundation work to follow.
Council is still debating whether to include recessed arch lighting on the new bridge — a slick $80,000 design add-on that would require approval from Parks Canada due to potential impacts on fish spawning. The base plan includes low-level under-rail lighting.
A display board featuring the new bridge design and federal funding recognition is also in the works. Staff are assessing salvaged stone from the former water treatment plant for possible use in the bridge’s approach facades, with a mason set to visit the site soon to evaluate its potential.
George Street Phase Two launches in June
McMunn also confirmed that tenders have closed for George Street Phase Two. Construction is expected to begin in early to mid-June, with work wrapping up in November.
Residents affected by the work are being contacted to arrange plumbing access for temporary overland water supply, and they will receive potable water during the construction period.
