province Hill Covered bridge to be Demolished Despite Historical Significance
POTTON, QUEBEC - A century-old covered bridge in Estrie, known as the Border Covered Bridge or Province Hill Bridge, will be demolished at the request of the quebec Ministry of Transport (MTMD), despite its recognized historical and technological value.The decision follows multiple analyses concluding the bridge poses a safety risk.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MCC) initially sought to preserve the bridge, but ultimately deferred to the MTMD’s assessment. “The MCC must therefore unfortunatly take note of this observation and the conclusions of the MTMD,” a statement indicated.
Built around 1820, the Border Covered Bridge is one of the oldest remaining covered bridges in Quebec, utilizing a ”Town simple” truss design patented by American architect Ithiel Town. According to Quebec officials,only five covered bridges in the province still feature this truss type.Specialist Pascal Conner believes the bridge may be uniquely rare, stating, “I think there might just be one like it still standing.” Similar structures in the United States have already been destroyed.
Official quebec government documents highlight the bridge’s importance as a testament to “the importance of covered bridges in the history of the occupation of the territory and the economic development of the regions of Quebec.” It also possesses rare technological components, including single-pin assemblies and a portico with a straight lintel and flared jambs - features that became less common in the 20th century.
The demolition decision has drawn criticism from heritage advocates like Conner, who questioned the purpose of classifying the bridge for protection if demolition is the eventual outcome. “I don’t see the idea of classifying this bridge to protect it if,a few months later,we want to demolish it! I hope this doesn’t come to fruition.”
