Silver Bridge repairs could cost $5 million

District council increased the budget by $4.1 million

The District of Muskoka Council authorized up to $5 million for the Silver Bridge construction, in the May 20, 2025, Council meeting.

According to the staff report, the bridge located in Bracebridge has been closed since last January because of “critical failure.”

It indicates that staff have been investigating the matter to determine the feasibility of restoration.

Staff requested “the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Commissioner of Finance and Corporate Services be delegated the authority to approve the award of any emergency purchase(s) necessary to complete additional investigative or immediate rehabilitation associated with the safety and/or restoration of services to Silver Bridge to a total limit of $5,000,000 + HST.”

The report adds that the Capital Budget and Forecast was $899,725 and has been amended by $4,100,275.

Councillor, Rick Maloney, also the Mayor of Bracebridge, expressed that he’s happy that the bridge will be rehabilitated because in addition to being important for transportation, it’s also “iconic to the community.”

He added that he’s pleased with the direction into “additional equipment, engineering analysis, and study.”

He also indicated that he receives several questions about what’s happening with the bridge from the community and inquired about District staff sharing the progress on the District’s Muskoka Engage page, to provide the community with updates, rather than him answering the public’s questions.

Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works, James Steele, advised that community engagement is in the works through their Engage page, social media, and community channels about the progress, and they will know more over the next few months.

Councillor, Guy Burry, suggested that removing the bridge and replacing it with a precast “would be better than rehabilitations costs.”

He also expressed, “First and foremost is to get across the bridge” is a priority over heritage.

He added, “[You] have to be able to justify decisions for this area,” which is something he’s concerned about.

Steele advised that he is “aware of this” and they can compare evaluations once they’re at the stage where they can do cost assessments for the work. He said the authorization is for staff to get to these stages and evaluate the adjustments that will be needed.

He added that the goal is to restore the bridge to “normal operation,” to make it serviceable, and that staff will report back regularly throughout the stages.

He said, “The idea is to move forward as quickly as we can…being fiscally responsible.”