The Tara Rotary Club officially unveiled the new Ann Street pedestrian bridge at an event over the weekend.
About 50 residents gathered on Ann Street around 1 p.m. on Saturday, when they were greeted by members of the local rotary club and Grey Bruce dignitaries, including Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Alex Ruff, MPP Bill Walker and Mayor Steve Hammell.
Ben Rier, member of the rotary club and coordinator of the bridge project, says the process began in 2015 when the club decided a pedestrian bridge across the river in Tara would be beneficial to link up the existing road network to a walking trail made up of the old CNR rail line.
“The site we chose was actually the site of a former car bridge that was washed out in 1948 and never replaced,” says Rier. “So we approached the council of the day in Arran-Elderslie and have had terrific support from the council.”
Rier says they also approached a local group, Tara Craft Committee, which organizes a craft show in the area each year, to work as partners on the project.
He explains it expanded from there with other partnerships, including the local conservation authority.
Through the assistance the rotary club received, they were able to install the 105-foot bridge in 2020, which spans the Sauble River.
“Because of the pandemic we really didn’t have a good window to do the opening, and the other thing, we wanted to give the Tara Horticultural society some time, they have been wonderful supporters and partners as well,” says Rier. ” And with the pandemic, this was the time.”
Walker commends the rotary club for all they have done for the community over the years as he noted how the bridge will allow residents to enjoy the outside area.
Ruff says the new bridge allows residents to appreciate the town and to enjoy the scenery along the Sauble River.
“What brought me out here today is this great bridge opening here in my home town of Tara and it is great work by the community and rotary club and it is great to see something out here that allows people to just appreciate the little beautiful gem we have out here,” says Ruff.
Hammell notes how the bridge will be a great way for both young and older residents to get out for some exercise and it completes a loop for the local trail for people to enjoy a walk.
Rier says the total costs for the project came to about $150,000. It was financed by grants and fundraising efforts of the rotary club.
