One of Calgary’s most iconic landmarks, the Centre Street Bridge, is marking a major milestone on Wednesday.
The bridge, which still serves as a major traffic conduit for Calgarians, officially turns 100 years old on July 27.
The Centre Street Bridge, which boasts stone arches, upper and lower decks and large lion sculptures, played a significant role in the development of communities on the north and south sides of the Bow River.
The structure opened to traffic in December 1916, costing $375,000.
On Wednesday, members of a gathering took part in a short prayer, witnessed a blessing by a Blackfoot Elder as well as a plaque presentation.
Local historians say many of the elements of the bridge came from the patriotism which was so prevalent at that time.
“Patriotism was the order of the day at the time,” says Harry Sanders, a Calgary historian. “The decorative elements of the bridge reflect this. The roses referred to England, the shamrocks for Ireland, the thistles for Scotland, the Maple leaves for Canada; the bison heads that are so prominent on those kiosks for western Canada and the lions for the British Empire for which we were fighting at the time.”
The celebration is part of Historic Calgary Week, which runs until Monday.
