Artwork on display at 'Dis//Connect' (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

OLD COURT HOUSE GALLERY

The ‘Dis//Connect’ brings different perspective and memories of the Red Bridge to life

Jan 23, 2026 | 4:32 PM

KAMLOOPS — The ‘Dis//Connect’ is the newest exhibit on display at the Old Kamloops Courthouse Gallery. It’s a collaboration between the Indigenous Resurgence Project, along with the Kamloops Arts Council, Kamloops Museum and Archives, and the Kamloops Heritage Railway.

The exhibit looks back at the history of the iconic Kamloops Red Bridge, through paintings, photography and other media, with 24 artists contributing their work and their memories.

“All of us were affected by the destruction and the loss of the bridge,” said Shay Paul, the project’s director, “so having those conversations between ourselves, we were like, ‘How can we get the greater community involved in this and get more perspectives out there?’ Everyone has a separate perspective based on their own lifestyle, what memories they have — it’s all very personal.”

The Red Bridge was lost to a suspected arson in September of 2024. 

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The display includes some salvaged pieces of the old bridge by the heritage railway. The exhibit is set to run until February 12.

“Everyone has at least one memory or association with the bridge and I think the most popular memory is that experience of driving across it for the first time,” said Paul. “Something as small and as human as that one connection or something as personal and detailed and unique as living here as a child. That is something that we all hold in ourselves and something that this exhibition hopefully allows space for people to share with one another.”

Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley recently reiterated the importance of the arson case, but was unable to provide a detailed update into the investigation.