The Corporation of the Town of Bracebridge

Public Works Department 1000 Taylor Court Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1R6 www.bracebridge.ca

August 1, 2013 Wood Lake Cottagers Association Attn: Dianne Armstrong Re: Milne Road Bridge, Load Capacity Rating

Dear Ms. Armstrong: I have been provided your name by a Lake Association member with the understanding that you sit on the Lake Association Executive. I write to you with regard to the recent Bridge Load Capacity signs that have been installed at the Milne Road Bridge, Lot 28, Concession 8, in former Oakley Township, now in the Town of Bracebridge. In January 2013 the Town of Bracebridge received a Bridge Needs Study which investigated the condition of the Towns 19 bridge structures. Based on the findings of the study the Town undertook four separate bridge capacity studies including the Milne Road Bridge. These studies were undertaken by C.C. Tatham & Associates Ltd., a consulting engineering firm with structural engineering expertise. Based on the engineers investigations it was established that the safe load carrying capacity of the Milne Road Bridge was 5 Tonnes. Five Tonnes can safely convey passenger vehicles, pickup trucks etc. but would not be able to carry larger vehicles without endangering the bridge structure and possibly those that use the bridge. The Town of Bracebridge recognizes that this load limitation is a significant change in level of service for those residents living on the north side of the bridge. In coordination with the consulting engineers, a report is being prepared by Public Works Department Staff for Council consideration at the General Committee Meeting of August 13th. The report will speak to the limitations of the existing structure and proposed remedial or replacement work that will allow for heavier vehicle traffic across the creek, such as; heating fuel trucks, propane delivery trucks, septic pump trucks, etc. Staff will be seeking authorization to proceed with the necessary works to ensure that fuel delivery trucks and other heavier commercial vehicles are able to cross the creek prior to the winter season. We have received a number of calls from residents concerned about the ability of emergency vehicles being able to cross the existing bridge. I have spoken to the Fire Chief Medley who has indicated that his crews will be responding to emergency events on either side of the existing bridge as they normally would. I understand that the Wood Lake Regatta is scheduled for this weekend and ask that you take the opportunity to distribute this information to members at that event. Should you have any questions I ask that a contact person from the Lake Association be appointed to ensure that updates can be conveyed to Association members effectively. Thank you for your assistance. Should you have any questions please feel free to call. Yours truly, Walt Schmid, P.Eng., Director of Public Works Office: 705 645 5264 ext 230 Cell: 705 644 9249 Email: wschmid@bracebridge.ca