HISTORY OF BC
The Interesting History of the Bridge in Quesnel, BC
A
t the start of the 20th century, a canoe served as a mini-ferry and provided the only way to cross the Fraser River from the town of Westside to the City of Quesnel. In 1911, the provincial government supplied the financing for a cable or chain ferry to go into service.
Quesnel canoe ferry Quesnel District Museum & Archives 1989.87.1
After extensive lobbying by local businessowners and after the provincial election in 1928, the new Conservative Government lived up to their election promise to see the work started; within 10 days the contractor in charge of building the structure arrived in Quesnel. On August 20, pile-driving started; concrete was poured for the first pier on October 13. With the mild Winter, the work continued and the last pier was poured in January.
Construction of the bridge started in 1928. Quesnel District Museum & Archives No. 1958.72.3
Unfortunately one fatality occurred. Stuart Wilson was killed January 23 due to a defective fuse while he was dynamiting large blocks of ice as they neared the bridge.
Quesnel Cattle Ferry Quesnel District Museum & Archives No. 1977.14.1
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fortunately the river froze over January 28; that made the construction of the superstructure much easier. In February, a second accident occurred . . . Joe Rousseau BC Notaries Association
Ron Hyde
fractured his ribs and an ankle when a timber fell from the top of the bridge. Unfortunately in those times, safety was not a factor; hard hats and safety harnesses were not even considered. Although the original plans were for a steel bridge, in 1928 the decision was made to use wood. The Kersley Farmers Institute petitioned for the bridge timber to be cut locally but it was cut and prepared in Vancouver and shipped by rail to Quesnel. Each piece was cut to size and shape and a numbered plan was created to show where each piece was to be placed; the timbers were all treated with creosote. A major problem arose when the foreman in charge of the framing was discharged and he took the master numbered plan with him. Fortunately Bert Alcock, of the Department of Public Works, was able to recreate the master numbered plan from the numbered timbers and the Howe Trusses. The new bridge opened to the public March 8, 1929; the official opening became part of the annual May Day celebrations. The Fraser Volume 30 Number 1 Spring 2021
