Restoration of the historic West Montrose Covered Bridge
The West Montrose Covered Bridge, also known as the Kissing Bridge, is getting some much needed repairs. Built in 1881, it is one of the oldest covered bridges in Canada.
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Piece of the past The West Montrose Covered Bridge was built in 1881. The wooden walls provided privacy during the horse-and-buggy era, so it was a place where couples could sneak in a smooch. For that reason, it is also known as the Kissing Bridge.
The Kissing Bridge is the only covered bridge in Ontario and one of the last still standing across Canada. It was even featured on a stamp from Canada Post.
Inspections revealed significant wear-and-tear and, in 2025, work began to rebuild and reinforce the 145-year-old bridge. The project’s goal was to preserve as much as the original structure as possible instead of replacing older materials with new ones. (Photo taken Aug. 20, 2025.)
A peak inside the West Montrose Covered Bridge as repair work begins on Aug. 20, 2025.
A peak inside the West Montrose Covered Bridge as repair work begins on Aug. 20, 2025.
A closed sign at the West Montrose Covered Bridge on Aug. 20, 2025.
A photo of the West Montrose Covered Bridge on June 24, 2026.
Workers discovered some unexpected challenges during the process, including undocumented repairs and weakened wood. (Photo taken Aug. 31, 2026.)
The preservation team also determined the bridge needed to be raised to protect it from flood waters.
In this photo, from Sept. 18, 2019, West Montrose resident Clare Gingrich demonstrates how high the water can get around the Kissing Bridge.
The existing Bailey truss, which was installed in the 1960s, will be removed. Instead of replacing it with another steel truss the workers will be strengthening the original wooden truss. (Photo taken Aug. 31, 2026)
In August 2026, hydraulic jacks carefully raised the bridge onto a temporary support structure to keep it stable during construction.
The roof and siding will also be replaced. Crews will be tasked with carefully matching the colours and appearance of the original structure. (Photo taken Aug. 31, 2026)
The region initially said the work would wrap up in December 2026. That has now been pushed back to spring 2027. The cost to restore the West Montrose Covered Bridge is an estimated $12 million.
