According to the 2019 Canada Infrastructure Report Card, a large portion of its bridge inventory has either passed or is approaching its end of service life. Reinforced concrete bridge columns constructed before 1971 lack the ability to endure seismic forces as a result of poor detailing, inadequate transverse reinforcement, and lap splices in the plastic hinge region. In addition, highway bridge networks are highly vulnerable to strong ground motions, leading to the possible collapse of bridges during severe earthquakes, significant alterations in network characteristics, and a substantial reduction in traffic flow capacity. Hence it is imperative to prevent premature failure to ensure that bridges possess sufficient deformation capacity to withstand earthquake forces. Consequently, these events can cause significant disruptions to society, and the bridges that are structurally deficient and approaching their design lifespan demand to be replaced or retrofitted, which might be highly costly. As a result, there have been numerous seismic retrofitting alternatives proposed as bridge-strengthening techniques over the past few decades. Given the financial limitations of the construction industry, it is crucial to consider the financial implications of potential seismic retrofitting strategies during the decision-making process prior to implementation. Hence, this study will evaluate the design criteria of seismic retrofits to be considered for highway bridge columns in order to prevent premature failure and ensure sufficient deformation capacity to prevent structural collapse during the maximum credible earthquake. Additionally, several seismic retrofit options will be examined to determine the most cost-effective combination for minimizing the capital investment for seismic rehabilitation.