REPORT BY TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 NIKKI FRASER
I first want to acknowledge the significance of this infrastructure that literary bridge the connection to both communities. This bridge had a lot of historical significance to our people. There was a time when our people needed written permission to leave the reserve, and the Red Bridge was the connection our ancestors used to cross with written permission from an Indian Agent. The Red Bridge was a pathway of connection to Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) Mount Paul Industrial Park and to the City Of Kamloops (COK) Downtown. Community was hurt and shocked by the news, there were a lot of heavy feelings, our Knowledge keepers, elders, and TteS Language & Cultural Department held ceremony for the Red Bridge to help those hurt and sadden by the loss.
Early morning of Thursday Sept 19, 2024, Kamloops and Tk̓emlúps Rural Detachment assisted Kamloops Fire and Rescue at the Red Bridge; the bridge was completely engulfed by flames. That morning, Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir released a joint statement with the City of Kamloops. Later that morning TteS Natural Resource Department (NRD) Manager, Aaron Gillespie supported Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) with the TteS NRD boat to take a MOTI team out on to the river to assess, they were the first out on the river to asses the site.
TteS Archaeology Department Manger Leslie LeBourdais team was on site during all ground disturbing activities since Thursday September 19. There has been some ground disturbance, one artifact was recovered from the surface of the beach before rig matting was laid down. They will be continuing to monitor and provide support during ongoing decommissioning activities.
TteS NRD, Arch, Emergency Management, P&E and I participated in the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMRC) Calls – from September 19-27, 2024
MOTI put up Debris Booms and Barriers to ensure debris was contained. There has been water monitoring, our NRD Manager is apart of this discussion, and ensuring the salmon have a path to get through to their spawning grounds, there are no significant concerns at this time.
Kamloops Fire and Rescue had full command of the site until the fire was fully suppressed, this took four days. MOTI is now leading, currently in Environmental Response phase.
Environmental response phase:
- MOTI have confirmed that following inspection the remaining sections of the Red Bridge will need to be removed due to structural and safety concerns and to support clean up of the debris from the Thompson River.
- This work is underway in close collaboration with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and City of Kamloops (CoK).
- Due to the complex nature of the removal, utilizing cranes, barges and heavy equipment, it is critical we minimize environmental impacts to the Thompson River, as such, this work is expected to continue throughout the winter. TteS Arch will be onsite during this phase.
MOTI is currently monitoring traffic volumes. The monitors on TteS side included HIGHWAY 5 AND MT PAUL WAY INTERSECTION & HIGHWAY 5 AND SHUSWAP ROAD (RD.) INTERSECTION
Another joint statement from TteS and COK is being worked on, please review the first joint statement here: https://www.kamloops.ca/our-community/news-events/news-releases/kamloops-tkemlups-mourn-loss-historic-red-bridge
TteS will be advancing conversations with CN, to address the safety concerns of pedestrians using the CN bridge and will be advancing conversations with BC transit to expedite the expansion of Mount Paul Bus route to accommodate the loss of the red bridge for pedestrian traffic.
In closing, the fire that destroyed the Red Bridge is being investigated as arson. The investigation is ongoing with the support of the General Investigations Support Team, Forensic Identification Unit, fire investigators, KFR, and frontline officers from both the Kamloops city and Tk̓emlúps Rural detachments. Anyone who witnessed, has video, or information related is asked to please contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000 or Tk̓emlúps Rural RCMP Detachment at 250-314-1800 and reference file 2024-31206.
Tk̓emlúps Rural RCMP Media Release ►
COUNCILLOR NIKKI FRASER
Primary Portfolio:
Natural Resources/Rights & Title
Secondary Portfolio:
Housing
Alternate Portfolio:
Lands, Leasing & Taxation
Nikki is a grassroots member of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS), with strong ties to both the Fraser and Paul Grassroot families. Nikki is proud mom to Trey, Aiyana, and Nipiy. She has worked for TteS in many different capacities since she was 15 years old. Nikki brings experience, knowledge and tools from her volunteer elected roles at BC Native Women’s Association, Native Women’s Association of Canada and the United Nations Youth Envoys office. Nikki is honoured to server her community & membership and continues her passion advocating and upholding TteS Rights and Title.
