During the Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday evening, Director of Public Works and Utilities Paul McMunn presented an array of potential bridge designs for the Confederation Drive river crossing in Smiths Falls.
Council discussed the merits of a Pratt Truss bridge, a Warren Truss bridge, and a Bowstring Truss bridge.
Council opted to seek a design in the style of a Bowstring Truss bridge, which looks aesthetically like the bow of a bow-and-arrow set, with the bow curving up toward the sky. Unlike the nearby bridge by the water treatment plant, the walkway of the Bowstring Truss bridge is flat.
McMunn proposed a black painted structure, to tie in with the benches and design features on Beckwith, which council supported. Council also requested the bridge include lighting and many members of council are keen to see a viewing area built in the middle of the span as well. Mayor Pankow suggested “a potential seating area, and sunshade.”
This pedestrian bridge will replace Confederation Bridge.
So the fact that one of the councilors lives in that neighborhood and wants to see a vehicular and pedestrian bridge, not to mention that there are several community members and residents who wanted it, obviously doesn’t seem to matter to the mayor or the folks who drew up the plans.
I believe that most of the town wanted vehicular and pedestrian bridge. And, you’re right, it doesn’t seem to matter what the townspeople want.