Embracing the Peace Bridge

In the heat of a civic election where everyone likes to wade in on things they might not know anything about, the much heralded (and then derided) Peace Bridge became a political lightening rod. Designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Callatrava (known for his stunning, iconic bridges among other things), the bridge project was awarded based on merit and sole-sourced (meaning, no competition and public input). Callatrava was uniquely suited to design this much needed pedestrian crossing from dense inner-city neighbourhoods to the downtown due to his engineering expertise. The bridge had many challenges… read about them and cost comparisons below in our “Peace Bridge Primer” intended to educate those screaming “foul!” The shirt, initially given out to the workers at Graham construction (and worn with pride) became a much sought after piece of historic memorabilia, prompting multiple reissues and selling hundreds just over cost with proceeds going to the Veterans Food Bank. A social media post, from someone frustrated with complainers quipped, “It’s built, you can’t unbuild it. Let’s get over it…”

City/bridge artwork and Primer design: Michael Mateyko