January 1, 2016
Picnic on the Bridge, complete with sod, was announced at a media event.
Manderley to supply sod for bridge celebration
In November, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin of Gatineau announced a new joint initiative as part of the year-long celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of Canada’s confederation. On July 2, 2017, the iconic steel truss structure that spans the Ottawa River between Ontario and Quebec will be transformed into a grassy haven for a Canadian first — the Interprovincial Picnic on the Bridge.
To create an authentic picnic atmosphere the Alexandra Bridge will be adorned with fresh sod donated by Manderley Turf Products, based in Ottawa. Following the event in 2017, the sod will be donated to local community organizations.
“When we approached the Ottawa 2017 Bureau with an offer of support, we never imagined that we would get to deliver such an innovative and inspiring tribute to Canada’s 150th birthday. We are very proud to be a part of it,” said Greg Skotnicki, president of Manderley.