New pedestrian bridge over Sauble River opens in Tara

Tara Rotarian Ben Rier was the first person to cross a new pedestrian bridge on Ann Street in Tara last week after it was lifted into place over the Sauble River. He is as pleased with the partnership that led to the successful project as he is with 105-foot long steel arched pedestrian bridge.

“It was quite remarkable,” Rier said of the inaugural bridge crossing. “From a historical perspective, there had been a bridge there in 1919 that got flooded out in 1948, so it’s kind of neat that we’re, in some ways, replacing a bridge that was there,” Rier said Tuesday.

Rier said the project represents a six-year partnership between the Tara Rotary Club, The Community Craft committee, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and Arran-Elderslie, sparked by a lack of sidewalks in Tara and an active older population that likes to walk.

“The (Grey Sauble Conservation Authority) area on Ann Street where we put the bridge is a former road allowance, and we were able to connect it to a former rail line that was used as a walking trail, but wasn’t connected to the town very well,” Rier said.

“Its really gratifying to see people in town be able to have a spot to walk that’s safe and out in nature that gives them an opportunity for exercise without having to walk on a county road,” Rier said, calling opening the bridge a truly a bright spot for our community in these trying times, encouraging people to get outside and exercise with distancing will have significant benefits.

Rier said the Arran-Elderslie provided Rotary with an interest-free loan to cover approximately half of the total $85,000 cost, and they also received donations from Dawley Engineering, and GBL Construction, both in Hanover, along with a Trillium Foundation grant.

With usual Rotary Club of Tara fundraisers postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19, including the annual garage sale, Blue Jay bus trips, and a winter draw, Rier said they are appealing for donations to pay off the bridge. He said tax receipts would be issued for donations made to Arran-Elderslie, care of Tara Rotary Bridge.