St. Patrick’s bridge takes one step closer to becoming a reality

CALGARY – A large part of the East Village redevelopment plan was given the green light on Thursday.

A city committee unanimously approve the St. Patrick’s Island bridge.

The bridge will allow pedestrians to walk from the Stampede grounds, through the East Village, across the Bow River on to Bridgeland.

A French architect won the competition to design the bridge which is projected to cost $20-million.

Some minor design changes were made to reflect public input.

“To make sure we can use local material as manufacturers, we can use pipes from the oil fields that’s handy here in Alberta, things like that, and make adjustments for lighting considerations as well,” says Chris Ollenberger, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation.

The project still needs to be passed by City Council.

It will then go to tender and construction will begin with a target finish date of 2013.