Community invited to preview restored Five Span Bridge this weekend

Lanark County and the Municipality of Mississippi Mills are inviting residents, businesses and visitors to preview the restored Five Span Bridge in Pakenham this weekend,

According to a notice from the Town of Carleton Place, the community event will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. and will give attendees the opportunity to walk across the historic bridge before it reopens to vehicle traffic.

Town officials note that construction is progressing ahead of schedule following two years of ongoing restoration work. To celebrate this milestone, the preview will include brief remarks, a ceremonial cake cutting, refreshments, and an opportunity to speak with members of the project team who were involved in the restoration.

A community drone photo is also planned to take place at approximately 2:15 p.m., giving attendees an opportunity to be a part of the commemorative and historical photo marking the bridge’s restoration.

“The reopening of the Five Span Bridge marks the successful completion of an important heritage and infrastructure project,” Lanark County Warden Richard Kidd said. “This event is an opportunity for Lanark County to thank the Pakenham community for its patience throughout construction and celebrate the fact that generations to come will be proud that Pakenham is home to the historic engineering marvel called the 5 Span Bridge.”

According to the town, attendees can also take home a piece of original bridge stone from the project in exchange for a donation to the Pakenham Public School kindergarten yard renovation project.