Flora Footbridge to open ahead of schedule

The new Flora Footbridge, a 125m pedestrian and cyclist bridge across the Rideau Canal, is set to open ahead of schedule. Led by WSP, with DTAH as the bridge and landscape architects, Flora Footbridge will provide a new landmark over the World Heritage Site and a much-needed new connection between communities. The design features a curving pathway that rises to a lookout on the west side, crosses the Canal in a straight alignment and descends via a switchback ramp or grand stair on the east side boulevard.

The bridge features two open V-frame piers supported on elliptical-shaped concrete footings set in the canal, a 5m wide concrete deck finished with a coloured aggregate topping, stainless steel & ipe wood railings, with Ontario limestone used to ground the approaches. Landscape design features a modern re-interpretation of the historic Lily Pond, one of the first projects of the Ottawa Improvement Commission early in the 20^th Century, on the west side of the canal.

The project completion was celebrated on June 26, 2019, with The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, and Mayor Jim Watson. The bridge will be open to the public on Canada Day long weekend. Construction started in September 2017 and was originally scheduled for completion in Fall 2019. Learn more here