Aurora's newest bridge lets humans, fish travel safely

Town, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority teamed up on project that involved removing 100-year-old saw mill

Yorkregion.com
June 18, 2019
Teresa Latchford

A project in Aurora not only broke down barriers for people but for local fish as well.

A joint partnership between the Town of Aurora and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority resulted in the construction of a new bridge that removed a major fish barrier from a tributary along the East Holland River at Sheppard’s Bush.

But the LSRCA points out it wasn’t just any fish barrier removal project as it involved the removal of the remnants of a saw mill, built more than 100 years ago, which was in need of replacement for safety reasons.

These remnants were also blocking cold water fish from being able to migrate through it to get to their spawning grounds.

The completion of the new bridge ensures both humans and fish can make it to their destinations safely and without obstruction.

Remnants of the bridge have been salvaged for historical purposes and will remain on display to the public at the site.

Representatives from the town and LSRCA, local officials and students from Aurora Grove Public School visited the site for the official opening of the new bridge.

The students also planted trees and shrubs along the stream bank at the event.