The community of Pakenham and Mississippi Mills got a sneak preview of the Five Span Bridge on Saturday after two years of restoration work to preserve the landmark. The community got a chance to walk across the historic bridge before it reopens to vehicle traffic within the next couple of weeks. “This is a five-span stone bridge, the only one of its kind in North America and not just Pakenham village residents, but all of us are so proud of this historic landmark,” said Mississippi Mills Mayor Christa Lowry. “It’s iconic. People come to take pictures of it and to drive over it. There’s a beautiful view.” The historical landmark in the small community of Pakenham was built in 1901 and was later restored in 1984. The five-arch bridge is believed to be the only one of its kind in the world outside of Russia. For Jo-Ann Hall, Saturday marked a moment in history. Her great grandfather helped build some of the iconic landmarks in Mississippi Mills. Hall says being here to celebrate this day means a lot. “It’s emotional - to think of what they had to work with back then in 1901,” said Hall. As part of the celebration, attendees got the opportunity to take home a piece of the original bridge stone from the restoration project. “I was glad to get a piece of it,” said Hall. The event included remarks from community members, a ceremonial cake cutting and a community drone photo. “It’s a historical moment. It will be preserved for the next 50 years. We’re very proud to have been able to do it. We’re very proud to show it off to residents of Lanark County and Pakenham,” said Warden of Lanark County, Richard Kidd.
