Bridge a blessing both then & now
A
s the fourth re-incarnation of the Wildwood Bridge starts for seismic upgrades, let’s take a look back at its past versions! Before settlers arrived to the area, First Nations had various settlements located along the Upper Sunshine Coast. This means that when travelling by foot, they would have needed to cross the tiskwat River (meaning Big River). Prior to any bridge or
BLAST FROM THE PAST JOËLLE SÉVIGNY dam, there was a log jam where the present bridge is located, and this is where crossing was made possible. After the dam was built in 1910-11, you could then walk across the top of it. In 1914, the government divided the Wildwood area in pre-emptions of approximately 40 acres each. There was still no bridge across the river as settlers built their homes. Lumber was taken across the river in rowboats and rafts, and then carried home. Percy Barrett, who had a homestead on Taku Street, hauled a piano in this fashion; first crossing
the river with a raft then bringing it home with the help of a stone boat (a heavy sled pulled by a horse). Children, who went to school in the Townsite, had to cross the river every morning in rowboats. That all changed in 1915 when construction of the first Wildwood bridge began, and was completed in 1916. This first bridge crossed the river by Cedar Street. Residents of Wildwood rejoiced, however the troubles were not over: the sandy, switchback road up the hillside was treacherous. Steps were also built for pedestrians: mill workers remember climbing 361 steps everyday after work to get home! The second Wildwood bridge was built in 1927 and was quite an improvement. It was moved further back on the river: two concrete pillars in the water are remnants of this bridge and can still be seen today. The third Wildwood bridge was brought in from Silver Creek near Hope and opened on July 20, 1966. It was put in just beside the location of the second bridge. This bridge has now served us for over 55 years! Blast from the Past is written monthly by Powell River Historical Museum and Archives public engagement coordinator Joëlle Sévigny.
jysevigny@powellrivermuseum.ca
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THIRD CROSSING: Above, the third (and current) Wildwood Bridge, built in 1965. Middle, the second Wildwood Bridge, built in 1927. Top, The first Wildwood Bridge, built in 1916 where Cedar Street ends. Photos
courtesy of the Powell River Historical Museum & Archives
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qathet Living • March 2022 • 25 •