Public meeting: Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail Proposed Pedestrian Bridge, Wellesley, October 16, 6 – 8 p.m.

The Region of Waterloo has begun early planning and design work for a proposed pedestrian bridge over the Conestogo River, as part of the Guelph to Goderich (G2G) Rail Trail. The proposed bridge is located between Powell Road and Line 86, near the Village of Wallenstein. Locally the trail is known as the Kissing Bridge Trailway and is the eastern portion of the G2G Rail Trail.

Public meeting

Join us for an in-person public meeting to learn about the project from the project team and share your feedback.

Location: Wallenstein Bible Chapel (4522 Hergott Road, Wallenstein)
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time:  6 – 8 p.m.

Share your feedback online

You can also visit www.engagewr.ca/G2G-trail-bridge to learn about the project. A survey will be open for your feedback from October 16 – November 6, 2025.

About the project

The G2G Rail Trail is an accessible, multi-use, off-road recreational trail from Guelph to Goderich on a former railway line. Locally, the trail runs through the north side of the region from West Montrose to Linwood and is known as the Kissing Bridge Trailway.

There is a gap on this trail at the crossing of the Conestogo River in Wallenstein. This is because the original railway bridge was removed when the railway line was closed. This proposed pedestrian and cyclist bridge will close the gap on this trail, improving the trail continuity and user experience.

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment

The project is following the Schedule B process in the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment 2023 (Class EA). The Region has hired Doug Dixon & Associates Inc. to complete the Class EA. The project team has assessed various designs for this bridge. Based on technical review of the site, the project team is suggesting a design that has the least environmental impact while making sure it is durable and accessible for everybody to use.

We’ll take a final recommendation to Regional Council in early 2026.

More information

We encourage you to stay involved in this project by following the EngageWR project page. You are also welcome to contact staff directly with questions throughout the project.

Contact information

Jim Ellerman, Head of Transportation Capital Projects
Design and Construction, Region of Waterloo
JEllerman@regionofwaterloo.ca

Service First Contact Centre: 519-575-4400

Accessibility

If you require assistance to participate in this engagement or to access information in alternate formats, please contact Jim Ellerman.

All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups, and agencies regarding this project are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision. Under the “Municipal Act”, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property information that may be included in a submission becomes part of the public record. Questions regarding the collection of this information should be referred to Jim Ellerman.