Kawartha Lakes proposes interim repairs to Lindsay Street Bridge in Fenelon Falls

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: A critical piece of infrastructure in Fenelon Falls may soon receive much-needed repairs, as the City of Kawartha Lakes looks to extend the life of the Lindsay Street Bridge ahead of a planned full replacement.

City council received a report during its May 20 meeting recommending the creation of a $455,000 capital project in the 2025 budget to fund interim rehabilitation work. The report, authored by Corby Purdy, Manager of Infrastructure, Design and Construction, outlines the urgency of the repairs and requests council’s approval to move forward.

“The Lindsay Street Bridge is showing significant wear, and we need to ensure it remains safe and functional for residents and visitors,” said Mr. Purdy. “These interim repairs are necessary to maintain the structure until full replacement can occur in 2029.”

The proposed rehabilitation would be funded through the City’s Capital Contingency Reserve and include engineering, construction, and administration costs. The report also recommends awarding a $50,000 single-source contract to DM Wills for engineering, tendering, and contract administration services.

“DM Wills has been involved with the Lindsay Street Bridge project since 2020. They’re already familiar with the site, stakeholders, and regulatory considerations,” added Mr. Purdy. “They’ve completed foundational work that can be leveraged for this interim project, making them the most logical choice to continue.”

Originally slated for rehabilitation in 2023, the bridge's long-term future shifted after DM Wills identified serious structural concerns during initial inspections. Emergency stabilization was completed in early 2021, and the project was reclassified as a full replacement.

However, complications around permitting and land ownership—particularly the involvement of Parks Canada and a nearby hydroelectric station owned by Orillia Power—added complexity to the timeline. In 2024, a stakeholder roundtable including Council, Parks Canada, Orillia Power, and community representatives was held to discuss staging, logistics, and project coordination.

With replacement deferred to 2029 due to competing infrastructure priorities, city staff say interim rehabilitation is essential. A December 2024 inspection flagged deteriorating elements such as the bridge deck, approaches, barriers, and sidewalks.

“This is about being proactive,” Mr. Purdy explained. “Delaying action until replacement risks further deterioration and could jeopardize public safety.”

Mayor Doug Elmslie voiced support for the plan, noting the importance of keeping vital infrastructure operational.

“Fenelon Falls is a busy and growing community,” said Mayor Elmslie. “We need to make sure our infrastructure keeps up. These repairs are a necessary step while we work toward a long-term solution.”

Council is expected to vote on the recommendation in an upcoming meeting. If approved, the project will be included in the 2025 Bridges and Culverts capital program.

The Lindsay Street Bridge interim rehabilitation aligns with the City’s strategic priorities of maintaining infrastructure and responsibly managing fiscal resources.