File Photo (Image Credit: Flickr / Ministry of Transportation)

By Aaron Schulze

R.W. Bruhn Bridge

Blockade ends as Splatsin, R.W. Bruhn Bridge replacement project contractors reach agreement

May 15, 2025 | 7:04 AM

SICAMOUS, B.C. — A peaceful blockade at the R.W. Bruhn Bridge in Sicamous was removed after an agreement was made between a local First Nation and contractors hired by the B.C. Government.

Splatsin and Splatsin Development Corporation (SDC) announced they met with AECON-Emil Anderson GP in good faith to reset their relationship.

The blockade on the Sicamous Narrows crossing was initiated by Splatsin and SDC at around 10:00 a.m. Monday. The protesters said AECON-Emil Anderson GP, who were awarded a $136-million contract to carry out the R.W. Bruhn Bridge replacement project, were excluding Indigenous contractors and workers. The blockade was removed Tuesday afternoon.

In a joint news release issued Wednesday (May 15), Splatsin says the outcome of their discussions reflects a renewed commitment to ensuring that the Secwepemc band and SDC are involved in a meaningful, ongoing way by bringing Indigenous knowledge, local insight and economic opportunity into the heart of the project works.

“We are optimistic about this new chapter,” Kukpi7 Michael Christian states. “This project takes place in our Area of Caretaker Responsibility within the Secwepemc Nation, and it’s essential that Splatsin has a role in shaping it. The past few days have shown the strength of our voices — but more importantly, they’ve shown what’s possible when we come back to the table and work together with honesty and respect.”

Stay Ahead of the Curve with Kamloops' Trusted Property Manager - Rohit Kumar

May 20, 2025

Two and Out

PETERS: With Hot Nite in the City, we celebrate our freedom and scorn more logical forms of transportation

Aug 08, 2025

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: August 7, 2025

Aug 07, 2025

Colin Taylor, vice president of AECON-Emil Anderson GP, thanks Splatsin and SDC for their willingness to rest the project relationship in a positive direction.

“We are proud of the past work we have done with Splatsin and SDC and we want our relationship to continue well after this project is complete. [AECON-Emil Anderson GP] thanks the Splatsin membership for their contribution to the work completed to date on the project,” Taylor states.

Until the end of May, the R.W. Bruhn Bridge will be closed daily, Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

However, B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and ministry says traffic will not be impacted from 12:00 p.m. Friday (May 16) to Tuesday (May 20) to account for Victoria Day long weekend traffic.