Public consultation opens, frustration grows over stalled Red Bridge replacement in Kamloops

City officials say the need for a new bridge has never been in question.

“We know the premier said it would happen and yet here we are, going on two years later and there is not a shovel in the ground,” says Katie Neustaeter, the deputy mayor of Kamloops for May. “Treasury hasn’t approved the funding for it. What we’re hoping is people come out in droves and send the message loud and clear – ‘Build it and build it now.’”

Both Kamloops council and Tk’emlúps leadership have already agreed a replacement should include one lane in each direction, improved lighting and a dedicated walking path.

But while environmental and archaeological work continues, some businesses near the former crossing say delays have come at a heavy cost.

“I cried for six months. Our sales dropped on average 80 per cent. I honestly didn’t know if I was going to have a home to live in by Christmas that year. We’re still here, but the frustration is not getting any clear answers,” says Robyn Haley, one of the owners of Erwin’s Fine Baking & Deli.

Business owners say the loss of the bridge continues to impact traffic flow across the city, especially during congestion or construction on other routes.

Neustaeter says residents affected by longer commutes or economic losses need to make their voices heard during the consultation process.

“We shouldn’t just be consulting about this right now. We should be cutting a ribbon. It has to happen immediately before there is a greater economic impact. My heart really goes out to those businesses who have either had to close or have seen their margins significantly drop,” added Neustaeter.

The ministry says public feedback collected this month will help guide the next stage of planning, though no updated construction timeline has been announced.

For Haley, the uncertainty itself has become part of the problem.

“It’s truly unfortunate that it seems the people making the decisions have never been to Kamloops. They don’t understand how serious this is. Businesses are suffering on both sides of the river, and people need information so they can plan.”

The Ministry of Transportation says feedback collected this month will help shape the next stage of planning for the bridge replacement, though after nearly two years, there is still no confirmed timeline for when preliminary designs will be released.

by Jeremy Russo

Public consultation opens, frustration grows over stalled Red Bridge replacement in Kamloops

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