Only the finishing touches remain to be completed on the suspension bridge that now crosses the Wabigoon River.
At their Aug. 25 meeting, Dryden city council announced the naming of the city revitalization project after local businessman Roy Wilson.
The bridge is expected to open, unofficially, in September while official dedication ceremonies may wait until 2010.
Visitors are encouraged to park at Johnston Park and walk the trail over to the bridge site.
Among his many roles, Wilson is the publisher of The Dryden Observer and owner of Alex Wilson Coldstream Ltd. For years, he was the driving force behind Wilson’s Business Solutions, an office supply and equipment business headquartered in Dryden with outlets in Fort Frances, Kenora, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Thunder Bay and Thompson.
Over the years, Wilson has been active in numerous community building projects including upgrades to the regional hospital and the construction of Patricia Gardens. Most recently he has contributed over $600,000 to various downtown and community revitalization projects, including the suspension bridge – one-third of which was paid for by Wilson.
“The city of Dryden is so fortunate to have successful entrepreneurs like Roy Wilson who give back so generously to the community they call home,” said Mayor Anne Krassilowsky.
Revitalization Committee chair Mardi Plomp notes, “The naming of the Roy Wilson Suspension Bridge is a fitting tribute to a man with vision and passion. It will be a lasting tourism legacy.”
The bridge and related area trail improvement were constructed with 50 per cent funding support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). Wilson and the city shared the balance of the costs.