Work to restore Cannington’s MacLeod Park bridge moves ahead

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Repairs are moving ahead, on a well-used pedestrian link in the heart of Cannington, after council approved a contract for rehabilitation work, on the MacLeod Park Pedestrian Bridge, at its meeting, on Monday, February 23rd.

Council awarded a contract to Melfer Construction Inc., the lowest compliant bidder, following a competitive Request for Tender process which closed on February 5th. Eleven bids were received through the municipality’s procurement platform.

A staff report from, Capital Projects Coordinator, James Peitos outlined the need for the repairs, citing findings from a 2025 structural inspection, conducted by Chisholm Fleming and Associates (CFA). The inspection determined the bridge abutments are no longer structurally sound and the bridge is not being adequately supported. As a result, CFA recommended temporarily closing the bridge, to ensure public safety, until rehabilitation measures can be implemented.

The pedestrian bridge provides a key connection, between the northern and southern sections of MacLeod Park, reducing the need for pedestrians to rely on nearby roadways and enhancing overall safety in the area. The structure has served residents of Cannington and the broader community for several decades and is considered both a culturally significant feature and an important public asset.

Melfer Construction Inc. submitted a bid of $34,946.38, including HST. Other bids ranged from $58,059.49 to $265,617.55. With the contract award and inspection costs included, the project remains well within the approved 2026 budget of $200,000. After accounting for the contract amount and construction inspection costs by CFA, approximately $161,732.15 remains in the project budget.

In addition to approving the contract, council directed staff to set aside an additional $2,500 for painting the bridge, as part of the rehabilitation work.

Mayor Mike Jubb said, he is pleased to see the project moving forward and noted the significant cost savings achieved, through the tendering process.

“We’re very encouraged by the number of bids which came in and the competitive pricing,” said Mayor Jubb. “It allows us to address an important safety concern while staying well within budget.”

He added, he hopes the remaining funds could be directed toward further enhancements in the park. “MacLeod Park is right in the heart of Cannington and is such an important gathering place for residents,” he said. “If there’s an opportunity to reinvest some of those savings into additional improvements in the park, [it] would be a real win for the community.”

The approved rehabilitation work is expected to extend the life of the bridge and help prevent more significant and costly repairs in the future. The staff report noted, deferring the work would result in the bridge remaining closed and could lead to continued deterioration, potentially increasing future rehabilitation or replacement costs.

Timelines for construction and reopening will be communicated to the public, once staff have coordinated mobilization dates with the contractor.