It’s a project that’s been in conception for over a decade, ever since Canadian National Railways put its West rail line out of Ottawa up for sale.
When there were no takers, the West Carleton Club and Pontiac Snowmobile Drivers’ Association began a collaboration that would be the link point between 30-thousand plus kilometres of trails on each side of the provincial boundary.
As part of the initiative, the CON bridge crossing the Ottawa River became a focus; it was easier to groom so the season could open earlier- and no lives would again be lost, crashing through river ice.
Paul McDonald tells us a four-year collaboration between the two clubs and stakeholders has its grand opening Saturday.
To mark the occasion Saturday, the Guiness World Book of Records will be on hand for the 11AM grand opening.
Not only does the bridge link what is in effect, a trans-Canada highway for sleds, it has recreational potential year-round now and into the future.
McDonald thanks fundraising partners, including the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Fund thar put up 313 thousand dollars of the 426 thousand dollar cost of the project- as well as municipalities and Tourism organizations on both sodes of the border.
The local club contributed 98 thousand dollars, and a heap of manual labour.
The bridge is accessible by car and parking is available at the end of Loggers Way in Vydon Acres (Ottawa). The municipal address where you can park on the cul-de-sac and street is 5843 Loggers Way, Ottawa.
You can also snowmobile to the event by talking the WCSTA W1 trail to the bridge. Check the OFSC ITG for directions.
