Let's Build a Bridge

Scugog Island has long held the imagination of those who call this part of Ontario home. But its story is not only about the island itself, it is also about how people reached it. In an earlier piece (November 2024), I touched on the beginnings of Lake Scugog. This time, I followed the path across the water.

In the early 1800s, the land was marshy and flat, criss-crossed by a slow-moving river. Fields of wild rice stretched along both banks, interspersed with thick tamarack growth. When William Purdy built a dam near Lindsay to power his sawmill, the effect was dramatic. Water backed up, and tens of thousands of acres were flooded. Farmers lost their fields, their livestock, and their patience. Armed standoffs were not uncommon, with angry settlers ready to take the dam down themselves.

The government pressed ahead with a lock system between 1838 and 1844, but Scugog Island remained isolated. In summer, barges and boats ferried people and goods to and from the mainland. In winter, sleighs crossed the ice, often with tragic results when the lake did not freeze as solidly as expected.

In 1855, Scugog residents received £125 ($650) toward a floating bridge, and with an additional £1,000 ($5,000) raised locally, construction began. Within a year, the bridge opened and ferry traffic stopped. It was helpful, but not ideal. Constant repairs plagued the wooden causeway.

By 1876, there was strong interest in a proper bridge. The first section, 600 feet long and 15 feet wide, was completed after a tender was awarded to the lowest bidder. Wooden planks were laid side-by-side and packed with dirt. Once in place, a wider, more stable road followed.

Progress paused again. Officials hesitated to commit more funds, fearing the early work might not hold. A year later, they relented, setting aside $4,000 to finish the job. The remaining 1,300 feet of bridge were finally built, giving the community a dependable connection.

By the 1920s, with automobiles now part of everyday life, the bridge was widened. A few years later, concrete replaced part of the original wood structure. Then, in 1960, Lake Scugog surged 30 inches above the bridge deck, forcing its closure, until repairs could be made.

Years of effort, setbacks, and persistence eventually paid off. Scugog Island was no longer just a place across the water. It was reachable, reliable, and firmly tied to the town of Port Perry.