Public Encouraged to Rally for the Red Bridge in Kamloops
The City of Kamloops and Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc invite residents to gather on the second anniversary of the Red Bridge’s destruction to commemorate the bridge’s history, share what it meant to the community, and demonstrate to the Province, through strong public support, the need to replace this important connection between the two communities.The event will take place on Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Pioneer Park, where the Red Bridge once stood.For generations, the Red Bridge was more than transportation infrastructure. It connected residents, families, businesses, and visitors on both sides of the river and became part of the area’s cultural and historical identity. Commemorating that history ensures the bridge’s significance is not lost and reinforces why restoring this connection matters to both communities.While the Ministry of Transportation and Transit continues building a project plan for potential replacement of the bridge, the anniversary provides an important opportunity to keep the bridge’s human and historical significance at the centre of the discussion. The Red Bridge was not simply a route from one place to another; it connected the two communities and supported relationships, movement, and daily life.Those attending can commemorate the Red Bridge and show their support for the bridge replacement by bringing signs, wearing red, and making noise. The City and Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc are also encouraging the public to share photos, stories, and memories of the Red Bridge, calling on the Province to take action and #ReplaceTheRedBridge.As the Province considers future infrastructure investments, a strong turnout at the event will show that replacing the Red Bridge remains a regional priority. By coming together, residents can demonstrate the depth of public support for rebuilding and help keep the project visible during provincial planning and budget considerations“The Red Bridge was a critical connection that supported economic activity, supply chains, emergency response, and continued development”, said Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir of Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc. “This project is tied directly to our self-determination and to economic reconciliation. A new bridge will connect our communities, strengthen our economies, and support our people who rely on each other every day.”“The Red Bridge was not only an iconic structure in our community, but also a critical link to Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc,” said Kelly Hall, the City’s Deputy Mayor for September. “This event is about residents, community members, businesses, and local leaders coming together to collectively say two years without a bridge here is too long.”Both the Secwépemc Museum and Kamloops Museum and Archives will be at the park to share the history of the Red Bridge, and there will be face painting, hot dogs, giveaways, and more.
