A8 • www.vicnews.com
Friday, April 25, 2014 - GOLDSTREAM
NEWS GAZETTE
• 2014 BRIDGE CEREMONY • MAYOR’S MESSAGE
COMPLETING A LEGACY PROJECT The completion of the Craigflower Bridge Replacement Project is an exceptional achievement that is celebrated by Council, staff, residents, First Nations, business owners, and commuters. A joint venture between the Town of
rooted in the principles of “healthy communities” and our investment in prosperity. Many thanks to the crews and staff for your hard work and strong commitment to quality production
“Our new Craigflower Bridge is a legacy project that connects two grand neighbourhoods. It fulfills a commitment to our residents, our businesses, our First Nations and to our region and is a lasting statement rooted in the principles of “healthy communities” and our investment in prosperity.” Mayor Graham Hill, Town of View Royal View Royal and the District of Saanich, this regionally significant project reconnects the vital network that moves people, goods and services throughout the region. Our new Craigflower Bridge is a legacy project that connects two grand neighbourhoods. It fulfills a commitment to our residents, our businesses, our First Nations and to our region and is a lasting statement
and safety; to the District of Saanich for taking a lead role in administering the project contract; and to the local businesses and residents for your patience during traffic disturbance. The Craigflower Bridge plays such an essential role in our area, so let’s celebrate the completion of this new infrastructure that ensures safe and sustainable travel over the Gorge Waterway for many years to come!
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IMAGE F-05882 COURTESY OF ROYAL BC MUSEUM, BC ARCHIVES
Friends of the McKenzie family on the original Craigflower Bridge shortly after the Craigflower Manor was completed in 1856 for farm bailiff Kenneth McKenzie and his family.
HISTORY
CRAIGFLOWER BRIDGE: SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1855 While the previous Craigflower Bridge had been dutifully serving local residents for 80 years, it wasn’t the first bridge that spanned that section of the picturesque Gorge Waterway. In fact, the first Craigflower Bridge opened in 1855, connecting the historic Craigflower Manor to the south and the Craigflower Schoolhouse to the north. Replacement wooden bridges were constructed as time went on and two instances were reported over the following years of vehicles falling through as the bridges deteriorated. The last instance occurred in 1932 and the bridge at that time was demolished. Passengers were ferried across the
Waterway until the next timber bridge opened in 1933, featuring overhead street lights that came on automatically at sunset. The provincial government had jurisdiction over the bridge and was responsible for maintenance and repair until May 1998, when ownership was transferred jointly to the municipalities of Saanich and View Royal. The bridge remained substantially unchanged until recent years, when it was deemed no longer safe for excessive vehicle loads. It also had very narrow sidewalks on each side, no provision for bicycles, and the railings and deck were in very poor condition.
Congratulations to the Town of View Royal and the District of Saanich on a beautiful new Craigflower Bridge