Flora Footbridge, Pedestrian bridge in Ottawa, Canada
The Flora Footbridge is a pedestrian structure crossing the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, linking Fifth Avenue in the Glebe neighborhood with Clegg Street in Old Ottawa East. It spans both the canal and Colonel By Drive below, creating an important connection between two separate areas of the city.
Construction began in 2018 and finished ahead of schedule, with the bridge opening in 2019. The project emerged from a growing need to better connect neighborhoods on either side of the canal.
The bridge bears the name of Flora MacDonald, Canada's first female foreign minister, chosen through community input. This naming reflects local pride in honoring a significant political figure from Canadian history.
The bridge accommodates both pedestrians and cyclists, offering a direct route between neighborhoods without detours. In winter, it serves as access to the skating area, while boats can pass underneath during summer months.
The bridge features two elliptical piers that double as informal seating spots for ice skaters in winter. This design was intentional, allowing boats enough clearance during summer, showing how the structure serves the canal year-round.
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