Mossington Bridge

Information and Findings From Heritage Designation Under Ontario Heritage Act

Summary

Mossington Bridge is a steel, through truss structure linking Hedge Road with Lake Drive East, over the mouth of the Black River at Lot 4, Concession 8, Georgina Township, now the Town of Georgina. A crossing at that location likely dates to the period of aboriginal interaction with the shoreline of Lake Simcoe. A timber bridge was removed just before the construction of the existing structure in 1912. The steel bridge was erected by Georgina Township Council using the design of the County of York staff engineer, Frank Barber, with the National Bridge Company as contractors. Although a single lane, the bridge is in constant use.

Historical Background

The history of the bridge linking Hedge Road with Lake Drive East (known collectively as Lakeshore Road), over the mouth of the Black River at Lot 4, Concession 8, Georgina Township, likely begins with the aboriginal population. For centuries, the shoreline of Lake Simcoe was used for seasonal encampments by the Woodland, Huron, and Ojibwa nations. Stretches of trails following the shoreline interconnected the overland and water routes. The Lakeshore Road, which follows the shoreline and crosses the Black River, may have originated as one of these trails and was improved as the area was opened for settlement. The present bridge is likely at or near the location of a historic crossing or foot bridge that has been the responsibility of the Township now Town of Georgina for over a hundred and fifty years.

Heritage Significance

For Georgina, the Mossington Bridge represents the historic crossing of the mouth of the Black River at Lake Simcoe. It has linked the estates of founding families on the east and west sides of the river, served a mill, campgrounds, dance pavilion, cottagers, and residents travelling to Mossington's Park and the surrounding communities. Designed by a noted engineer, Frank Barber, and constructed by the National Bridge Company with Lewis Construction Company, it is both functional and picturesque. Even its narrow width is a reminder of the evolution of roadways, bridges, and traditional transportation patterns. Mossington Bridge is a significant landmark that is part of the tradition and heritage of Georgina.