![Former Arran-Elderslie Mayor Ron Oswald [right] cuts the ribbon to officially open the Oswald Bridge in Chesley, joined by current Mayor Steve Hammell, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker and Bruce County Warden Mitch Twolan.(photo by Jordan MacKinnon)](https://media.mynewstoday.ca/i/8eXXRveR/355)
Ron Oswald was all smiles as he cut the ribbon to reopen the bridge that now bears his family name.
Oswald was joined by about a hundred family and supporters as the Chesley Main Street Bridge was officially opened and renamed the Oswald Bridge, in recognition of generations of public service.
The 86-year old Oswald was a councillor in the former Elderslie Township and the final mayor of Chesley before becoming the first mayor of the amalgamated Arran-Elderslie, and also served as Bruce County warden in 2006.
Oswald's grandfather served on Elderslie council and his father, Bill Oswald, was reeve of Elderslie and also county warden in 1954.
He said it's a proud moment for his family and was touched so many people came out to recognize the occasion. "I can't believe it, it's great, the Oswald's have been around a long time, but I'm just about the only left, so it's quite a tribute to my family," said Oswald.
"I look to him almost like my dad, the leadership he brought to the County of Bruce and the advice he gave me personally over the years will never be forgotten," said Twolan. "He helped shape me as a politician the way I am today and as you can see, he's just a true gentleman."
The former Chesley Main Street Bridge was closed after being damaged beyond repair by ice and flooding in February of 2018.
The damaged bridge was torn down later that spring and the new bridge was built and opened to traffic the following December at a cost of $3.2-million.
Oswald Bridge, Chesley (photo by Jordan MacKinnon)
