Sauble Falls Bridge
Most Recent Visit To Bridge: January 2007
|
Bridge Name |
Facility
Carried / Feature Intersected |
Location |
Structure Type |
Construction
Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Sauble
Falls Bridge |
Sauble Falls Parkway (Old
Alignment) Over Sauble River |
Sauble Falls: Bruce County,
Ontario |
Concrete Through Girder, Stationary |
1930 By:
Unknown |
This bridge appears to be the largest and most significant
remaining bridge in the Bruce Peninsula. It is a rare example of a multi-span
concrete through girder in Ontario. Architectural expression is limited to the
rectangular outlines on the girders.
There are two main spans to this bridge, and a third shorter
approach span at the northern end of the bridge. The tops of the girders have
concrete that appears to be slightly newer than the rest of the girders, most
likely evidence of a repair project from many decades ago. The structure appears
to be in excellent condition with no evidence of spalling.
A plaque on a modern bridge that parallels this bridge has a
1966 plaque on it, suggesting that this bridge ceased serving vehicular traffic
in that year.
Located in a park setting, this bridge is in the perfect place
for preservation. Fortunately, the local community seems to care about the
future of this bridge, as the structure was nominated through the Ontario
Heritage Act.
Ontario Heritage Act Designation Nomination Findings
STATEMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE
The Sauble Falls Bridge is of cultural heritage value as an early
example of access across a waterway. The current bridge replaced the
original wooden structure and foot bridge which faced washouts during
severe weather events.
As recorded in the Council Minutes from October 10, 1922, the
Corporation of the Township of Amabel was approached by Mr. Seaman with
his concerns about the changes to the road at Sauble Falls. Subsequent
to this, Council commissioned G.E. Stephenson, the County Engineer, to
prepare plans and specifications for the construction of the bridge. The
tender submitted by Theodore Seaman was accepted by Council on May 29,
1929. Municipal Council saw the value of the bridge construction as it
served as an access to the community north of the river which was
comprised of a school house, power electric plant, post office, store
and private residences.
The bridge and road allowance are of value to the community as the only
built heritage component in the immediate Sauble Falls area which
remains true to its original use; a bridge and means to cross the Sauble
River.
DESCRIPTION OF HERITAGE ATTRIBUTES
Key attributes of the bridge and road allowance site that reflect their
value as an important link to the history of the Town of South Bruce
Peninsula include:
· Original reinforced concrete and steel bridge construction
· Demonstrates traveled route of original settlers
· The bridge is the last untouched structure at Sauble Falls which
represents 1920/1930 architecture
· The site is a reminder to future generations of settlement patterns
and the importance of waterway access to the early commercial and
residential development at Sauble Falls
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