The City of Kamloops and Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc are saddened by the loss of the historic Red Bridge. This landmark has long served as a physical and symbolic connection between our communities and is a key piece of infrastructure for our shared communities.
"It is truly heartbreaking to lose this historic and culturally significant piece of our community," said Deputy Mayor Stephen Karpuk. "This bridge was an icon in the memory of anyone who has lived in or visited Kamloops, and a symbol of the long history between the City of Kamloops and our neighbours at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc. The loss will be experienced differently by each of us, and we encourage our residents to share the kindness that Kamloops is also known for.
The City is working collaboratively with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc to address immediate health and safety issues, and determine the best path forward.
"This loss brings many emotions, critical conversations, and new challenges; I’m confident in our technical teams, staff, experts, and the entire community to collaborate and overcome," said Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir. "We recognize the effect this will have on Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, the City of Kamloops, and our neighboring communities. We ask that everyone keeps safety and care for others as a top priority throughout this period."
Due to the immediate risk of falling or floating debris, the City has closed all boat launches, as well as Pioneer Park, Riverside Park pier, and the Rivers Trail between Pioneer Park and Riverside Park. With the loss of a significant transportation connection, motorists should expect delays as residents utilize alternate routes in and around the area.
The City Of Kamloops and Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc would also like to assure residents of both communities that the safety and quality of drinking water has not been impacted or compromised as a result of this event. Both communities' water intakes are upstream from the Red Bridge and are therefore pulling water before it reaches the debris.
Most City Councillors are attending the Union of British Columbia Municipalities annual conference this week in Vancouver. They are seeking to arrange an emergency meeting with the Honourable Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, about the loss of this critical piece of provincial infrastructure.
