Tk̓emlúps, Kamloops honour second anniversary of Red Bridge fire

Sep 19, 2026 | 1:29 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops residents gathered at Pioneer Park on Saturday (Sept. 19), where the Red Bridge once stood, to honour the second anniversary of the bridge’s destruction in a suspicious fire.

“The Red Bridge was not only an iconic structure in our community, but also a critical link to Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc,” said Kelly Hall, Kamloops’ 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.”

The City of Kamloops and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc hosted the event to commemorate the bridge’s history, share what it meant to the community, and demonstrate to the B.C. government why a replacement bridge is important.

“The loss of the Red Bridge continues to affect families, workers, businesses, emergency access, and transportation throughout the region,” said a statement from Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

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“For generations, the bridge served as an important connection between communities, supporting economic activity, mobility, and regional growth.”

Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir joined attendees at the event.

“This gathering is about unity,” said Casimir. “The impacts of losing the Red Bridge are shared across our region. Together, we are calling on the Province to listen to our communities and commit to replacing this critical connection.”

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc said the possibility of a provincial election highlights the need to get the message out.

“Rally participants are urging all provincial leaders and parties to commit to a clear timeline and funding. The message is simple: the Red Bridge is a regional priority,” said Tk’emlúps.

“Rebuilding it will strengthen connectivity, support local businesses, improve public safety, and advance reconciliation through meaningful action.”

The gathering comes after MP for Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola Frank Caputo told CFJC Today there have been about 1,600 responses to his petition calling on the federal government to fast-track a rebuild of the Red Bridge.

by Elora McCormack

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Tk̓emlúps, Kamloops honour second anniversary of Red Bridge fire

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