54 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | April 2024 How it Works THE WEST MONTROSE COVERED BRIDGE The ‘Kissing Bridge’ is the only remaining covered bridge in Ontario. By Ralph Winfield Covered bridges are now very rare in Canada, and especially in Ontario. How many of you have crossed the Grand River at West Montrose using the covered bridge? It is the only remaining covered bridge in Ontario. Provincial Highway 86 passed through that bridge in my youth. There were no other river crossings within miles of the bridge, and it was our only way to get directly to high school in Elmira. The load limit was two tons, which meant it was not legal for the bridge to take both a bus and its passengers. During the first year of high school, we had to get off the big, loaded school bus and walk across the bridge twice each day. One student was sent across the bridge with a red flag to stop traffic until we all made it to the other side. The bus would then pick us up on the opposite side of the river. This added at least 15 minutes to our trip each way. In the following years, a smaller bus travelled in the opposite direction so there were fewer students on board and much less weight. The load restriction caused many other limitations for car-carrying trucks and other large loads. Around 1958 – the year I graduated from high school – a new bridge was built just upriver, allowing the highway to be straightened and to take the major traffic away from the covered bridge. The covered bridge was built in 1881 by the Bear brothers and the intent was great. The roof diverted rainwater and prolonged the life of the wooden floor. The lumber for that bridge was sawn at the local sawmill in West Montrose. Another aspect of the chosen design was the privacy the covered walls provided for young lovers in horsedrawn carriages passing through – one reason it was often called the “kissing bridge.” The covered design also meant that one crossed without the benefit of the light from the moon and stars when travelling at night by carriage. I still remember when coal oil lanterns were used to provide light inside the bridge. Three lanterns were filled and hung up every evening by an older student named Lloyd Hartwick, who lived at the end of the bridge. They would slowly burn out by morning. Aside from improving driving safety, the lanterns helped to deter any of that kissing activity! Electric lights were installed later and are still in use. You will note in my photograph that the covered bridge has a centre pier support. When the river ice broke up in the spring, ice jams often occurred, causing the upstream water level to increase significantly. If and when that happened, the Ministry of Transportation used dynamite charges to clear the ice blockages. The blockages were often caused by that centre pier. However, it was a critical need due to the length and weight of the bridge. Many of us skated on the river ice in the winter and swam in the Grand River during the warmer summer months. I remember when Elmira got the first swimming pool in the area. Another memorable local attraction Another historical building, which still stands, is School Section #6 in Woolwich Township, where I spent eight years attending public school. It was a two-room stone schoolhouse not far from the Grand River and just up the highway from the covered bridge. At least half of the students crossed the covered bridge twice daily to get to and from the school. Built in 1874, 50 to 70 students attended each year that I was there. It had two coal-fired furnaces in the full basement, with one to heat each room. Interestingly, when it was closed as The only covered bridge in Ontario, located at West Montrose in Waterloo County. Ralph Winfield photo
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