Wasauksing Swing Bridge

The Wasauksing Swing Bridge is a timber and steel structure that crosses the South Channel of Georgian Bay, linking Rose Point on the mainland to Parry Island. The structure is roughly 250 feet long and features a rotating center section that swings to the side to allow vessels to pass through.

An earlier crossing was built in 1887 but was replaced in 1912 by the current bridge to accommodate growing maritime traffic in the region. After rail service ended in 1989, it was adapted to primarily serve road traffic.

The bridge connects the Wasauksing First Nation community with the mainland, enabling daily travel to schools, shops, and services. It serves as the main pathway for residents who move between the island and the surrounding region.

The bridge operates from April through November and requires boats to display warning lights before passing through. Visitors should expect the swing mechanism to be activated when vessels approach, which may cause brief delays.

The swing mechanism uses a traditional gear-and-lever system that operates almost entirely by hand, showcasing early engineering craftsmanship. This manual system has functioned for over a century and demonstrates how effective simple mechanical principles can be.