ABOUT THE PROJECT
The 12 Street S.E. bridge spans the Bow River on the south side of St. George’s Island and is in need of replacement due to its age and deteriorated physical condition. The bridge, constructed in 1908, was originally designed to carry horse and buggy, as well as pedestrian traffic to St. George’s Island. Now it is an important link for vehicles and people on foot or bikes, which provides access to and from 9 Avenue S.E. to Memorial Drive and points south. A new bridge will ensure this important link is maintained for the next 100 years.
The bridge will be replaced with a new structure that will:
- Provide two lanes for vehicle traffic with adequate lane widths, which could accommodate emergency vehicles and future Transit, and increase safety generally.
- Be more flood resilient.
- Provide pedestrian/cycling access across the bridge and incorporate into existing pathway on the north and south ends of the bridge.
- Be easier to maintain and will last for a long period of time (100 years).
- Incorporate an historical/commemorative component recognizing the old bridge design.
- Continue to provide access into the Zoo’s Administration area parking lot and building.
The 12 Street bridge is currently under construction. For more information on the bridge, please visit the 12 Street S.E. Bridge Replacement project page.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT
We asked the questions below for input on commemoration of the old bridge, and the landscaping design and features in the surrounding park area. Please see the What We Head report in the document library (right side of webpage). The final plans for landscaping and commemoration will be shared on the project page.
Commemoration
History of the bridge
click to expand
First Nations
- Proximity to the confluence of the rivers is very culturally significant.
- There are a number of relevant stories / beliefs / traditions relevant to the site that could be drawn upon.
Facts about the bridge
- The bridge was built by the Algoma Bridge Company. The chief builder was A.Y. Bayes.
- Based on the stamps on the existing steel it came from a Carnegie Steel Mill in the US.
- The bridge was designed to carry horse and buggy.
The area around the bridge
- The island used to feature a children’s playground.
- There have been many different activities at St.George’s Island including a camp ground, football games and a bandstand.
FEEDBACK FORM
SHARE YOUR IDEAS WITH THE COMMUNITY
Add your ideas about how you want the bridge to be commemorated:
25 March, 2017
Ramsayite says:
Hire a good artist through an open competition to design something beautiful
25 March, 2017
Glen says:
The old bridge should be kept, history is important and what keeps us unique.
23 March, 2017
Tracy says:
Design of the new bridge is a huge disappointment, made worse by not keeping the old one for pedestrians & cyclists.
22 March, 2017
K says:
Leave the bridge and maintain it for pedestrians and cyclists.
Having two bridges near each other is comical and interesting
19 March, 2017
AnnO says:
Have a bridge party every year on the new bridge including all the facts around how it came to be built.
18 March, 2017
fegm says:
We are going to miss the physical gateway that arch of the bridge represented both as the entrance to the island and to the community.
12 March, 2017
Catherine C says:
How about not blowing it up and leaving it for pedestrian and cycle traffic. Re-open south gate of the zoo
12 March, 2017
jdw says:
I am less worried about commemoration and more about having a functioning bridge. That said, go ahead and incorporate any relevant history.
12 March, 2017
Juliet says:
I love the idea of commemorating first nations culture - we need more of this sort of supportive art/design in Calgary!
11 March, 2017
M says:
We need something gutsy that isn't a compromise. Something that challenges. And Definitely not a plaque.
11 March, 2017
Anonymous says:
If you must an inexpensive plaque with the history would suffice.
Park Landscaping and Features
DRAFT CONCEPT
All items noted as proposed (in blue) can be changed. Red stars denote potential commemorative element locations.
FEEDBACK FORM
