Call is out for photos, stories of Red Deer’s CPR Pedestrian Bridge

City of Red Deer collecting favourite memories for bridge re-opening

Call is out for photos, stories of Red Deer’s CPR Pedestrian Bridge Published 12:02 pm Friday, July 17, 2026 Red Deerians are being asked to share their photos and memories of the CPR Pedestrian Bridge to help celebrate the bridge’s history and its grand reopening in September. Submissions will be selected to help tell bridge’s story. For example, if couples have posed for wedding photos on the bridge, or cyclists consider it part of their favourite route, or a place to connect to Red Deer’s history, or admire the change of seasons, or even if it’s just a regular route home, the city wants to hear from citizens.

Rehabilitation planning began two year and half years ago with complete environmental and structural investigations, site preparation and design work. On-site construction started in early 2025 and is scheduled to be complete by the end of August, including landscaping, trail construction and public art installation. Originally constructed in 1908 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the bridge served as a railway crossing until 1990, when the rail line was relocated out of downtown.

Recognizing its historical significance, city council designated the bridge a Municipal Historic Resource in 1991. Restoration of the 117-year-old bridge included reconstruction of the timber trestle, replacement of concrete foundations, repair and replacement of corroded steel truss elements, repainting of steel trusses, and replacement of the timber deck with a new durable concrete surface. The Government of Canada contributed $11.1 million to the bridge project, with the city providing an additional $11.2 million.

For information on how to submit photos and stories or reflections visit engage.reddeer.ca/cpr-bridge.