Pooley’s Bridge, the oldest masonry bridge in the City of Ottawa, is a cultural landmark as well as an important connection between the west end and downtown Ottawa. Over the decades, several interventions have been carried out to maintain its structural integrity.
A Major Mandate for Atwill-Morin Ontario
As part of the most recent project undertaken by the City of Ottawa, Atwill-Morin Ontario was mandated to lead the renewal of Pooley’s Bridge, an approach that promotes the preservation of its cultural and historical heritage while extending the service life of this unique structure. The mandate included:
- Installation of a new natural stone cladding securely anchored to the concrete, south side
- Removal of the masonry cladding, south side
- Replacement of the concrete structure behind the masonry, south side
- Addition of a new drainage system
- Addition of a new bridge deck
- Refurbishment of the guardrails
Carried out above an active waterway, this work required rigorous planning and strict adherence to the project schedule. The bridge remained in operation for most of the work, which involved enhanced safety measures and precise phasing.
A Project Guided by Heritage Standards
The rehabilitation of the bridge is a prime example of the application of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. In keeping with these requirements, the City of Ottawa sought to preserve the integrity of the built heritage while ensuring the long-term durability of the bridge.
Our team carefully removed deteriorated stones without disturbing adjacent historic elements. Traditional conservation methods were prioritized, including stone cutting, dutchman repairs, and repointing with a specialized mortar free of latex and acrylic additives, fully compatible with historic masonry.
A dutchman repair is a technique used to restore damaged areas using a small piece of stone custom-cut to integrate seamlessly with the existing surface. Its primary role is to carefully conceal a repair point or structural intervention, such as the location of a metal anchor. When expertly inserted and pointed, the repair piece preserves the original aesthetic of the facade or stone element, making the intervention invisible.
The discreet integration of modern materials, such as stainless-steel reinforcements and upgraded drainage systems, enhances durability while also remaining invisible to the public eye.
Structural Reinforcement
The consolidation of the structure relied on the installation of a significant number of anchor dowels inserted into the concrete. Placed perpendicular to the joint between two successive concrete pours, they strengthen the existing concrete by connecting it to the new pour. We also carried out cleaning and preparation of the existing reinforcement, targeted demolition of deteriorated concrete, as well as formwork and concreting of several sections, such as the east abutment and deck curbs.
Increased Productivity Through an Innovative System
The team opted for a particularly practical system: a fully galvanized steel scaffold, versatile and equipped with rosette connectors allowing up to eight elements to be fixed at the same node simultaneously. Its flexibility enables the construction of complex structures beneath an arch bridge, including the arch falsework, built and installed by AMO in collaboration with partners. The wide range of horizontals and platforms allows for larger span dimensions while ensuring rapid assembly, thereby increasing on-site productivity. Lighter than traditional scaffolding, it remains robust and safe, with integrated platforms and trapdoor ladders, and benefits from long-lasting corrosion protection thanks to its galvanized steel.
Natural Stone: Durability and Authenticity
The choice of a local natural stone, St-Marc stone supplied by our Ducharme quarry, ensured visual and material continuity with the original infrastructure. The stone finishing was carried out on-site by Atwill-Morin Ontario. Beyond aesthetics, this choice reflects a sustainable construction approach by reducing the project’s carbon footprint and prioritizing a regional resource. Natural stone offers exceptional resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, salt, UV rays, and erosion, ensuring durability that stands the test of generations. Unlike concrete pavers or stones, which tend to crumble, discolour, or shift over time, natural stone requires fewer replacements and less maintenance, resulting in substantial long-term cost savings.
It is through this combination of refined traditional techniques and modern materials specially formulated for conservation that Atwill-Morin actively contributes to the preservation of Canadian heritage.
Cultural, Functional, and Economic Benefits
For the local community, the restoration of Pooley’s Bridge revives a symbol of Ottawa’s history while improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The city benefits from a more resilient, better-drained infrastructure that is less costly to maintain in the long term. The project also highlights the essential role of skilled trades and masonry conservation expertise.
Through its expertise in traditional techniques, innovative structural solutions, and heritage-sensitive approach, Atwill-Morin Ontario contributes to the lasting preservation of this iconic bridge.
This important project was made possible through the collaboration of our clients, consultants, and subcontractors: La ville d’Ottawa, Parsons, Atwill-Morin Structure, Aljomax Peinture, CSL Group, Dumoulin, John G. Cooke & Associates, McGowan Electric, Paterson Group, Pavage Massie, Piché Démolition & Excavation, Cintec and Regional Crane.
