(Image Credit: City of Kamloops)
Red Bridge Update

Kamloops, Tk’emlups to host Saturday rally to mark 2-year anniversary of Red Bridge fire

Sep 15, 2026 | 12:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops-and-area residents are being invited to a public rally at Pioneer Park this Saturday (Sept. 19) to mark the two-year anniversary of the Red Bridge’s destruction in a suspicious fire.

The City of Kamloops and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc are hosting the event, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and say it is meant to commemorate the bridge’s history, share what it meant to the community, and demonstrate to the provincial government why it is important to replace the bridge.

In a joint statement, the city and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc said while the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) continues to work on plans for replacement bridge, this weekend’s anniversary is “an important opportunity” to continue advocating for the bridge.

“The Red Bridge was a critical connection that supported economic activity, supply chains, emergency response and continued development”, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir said.

“This project is tied directly to our self-determination and to economic reconciliation. A new bridge will connect our communities, strengthen our economies and support our people who rely on each other every day.”

“The Red Bridge was not only an iconic structure in our community, but also a critical link to Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc,” added Kelly Hall, the city’s 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.”

Both councils also agree a replacement bridge should be one lane in each direction – wider than the old bridge – with a walking path and better lighting. A vehicle bridge was one of three options put forward by the B.C. government, though local officials pushed back.

The three options were unveiled ahead of a public consultation period held this year and more than 6,000 respondents provided feedback. Provincial officials said that input would help inform the next steps of the process.

The province is expected to release more information this fall, but timelines have not provided. CFJC Today has reached out to the MOTT for an update.

Attendees at Saturday’s event are asked to wear red and bring signs to show their support for the bridge replacement. They’re also being asked to call on the province to act by sharing photos, stories and memories of the Red Bridge using the hashtag #ReplaceTheRedBridge.

Both the Secwépemc Museum and Kamloops Museum and Archives will be at the park to share the history of the Red Bridge, and there will be face painting, hot dogs as well as giveaways.

“As the province considers future infrastructure investments, a strong turnout at the event will show replacing the Red Bridge remains a regional priority,” the city statement said. “By coming together, residents can demonstrate the depth of public support for rebuilding and help keep the project visible during provincial planning and budget considerations.”