On Saturday, October 3, residents, project partners, and supporters gathered to celebrate a major milestone in the restoration of the historic 5 Span Stone Bridge, one of Lanark County's most treasured landmarks and a lasting symbol of our region's rich heritage.

The event ...featured remarks from Lanark County Warden Richard Kidd, Christa Lowry, Mayor of Mississippi Mills, and Pakenham Ward Councillor Denny Ferguson, who spoke about the significance of preserving this iconic structure and the collaborative efforts that have brought the project to this stage. Lanark County Public Works Director, Sean Derouin, and Project Engineer Andrew Huctwith spoke on the project scope and details.

The 5 Span Stone Bridge is recognized as the only bridge of its type in North America. The restoration project has carefully balanced heritage preservation with modern infrastructure improvements, ensuring the bridge can continue to serve residents and visitors for generations to come. Work has included extensive masonry restoration, structural rehabilitation, roadway and drainage improvements, and other enhancements designed to protect the bridge's long-term integrity while maintaining its historic character.

While the bridge is not yet open to traffic, crews are completing the final details of the project. The restoration remains on track for its target reopening date of October 30, 2026, bringing the community one step closer to once again crossing this remarkable piece of local history.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this important milestone and to all those who have contributed to the preservation of one of Lanark County's most recognizable heritage landmarks.

Check our website for project updates: www.lanarkcounty.ca/5arches

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The County is pleased to announce that it will officially take over responsibility for the K&P trail through Lanark County as of 5pm on October 13th, 2026. This includes management and maintenance of the trail. Council and staff are continuing to work on a comprehensive Trail Management Plan ...and a Trails Use Bylaw that will outline future maintenance and improvements along with expectations for users of the trail including permitted vehicles and activities.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
There are no changes to the use of the trail resulting from this announcement. As noted, Council and staff are developing plans and regulations for the use of the trail and details of those plans will be communicated when they are approved by Lanark County Council.

However, the County will be placing signage on the trail to clearly indicate ownership and suggested rules for trails users in the meantime to maintain safe use of the trail.

Maintenance or safety issues should be reported to Lanark County at 613-267-1353 or roads@lanarkcounty.ca. If there are issues with users of the trail not adhering to local or provincial laws like speeding or unsafe driving, please contact the Ontario Provincial Police.

We encourage everyone to continue to stay engaged as we work on updating our Trail Management Plan and Trails by-law. Please regularly check the K&P Webpage for updates. The full text of this notice can be found at:
https://www.lanarkcounty.ca/government/roads-trails-transit/pwprojects/#kptrail