Back  Castlegar News Page 10 Sept. 12/07  
 
RDCK taking on Brilliant bridge restoration 

Elaine Robinson, member of Area J Planning Commission gives a $150,000 cheque to Castlegar District recreation director Jim Crocket for the restoration of the Brilliant Bridge. Also present fron left to right is Dean McKinnon, Gordon Zaitsoff, Lawrence Makortoff and Bob Kalmakoff.
  
A return to life for the Brilliant Bridge could happen by next June if all goes well.

Ownership of the bridge is in the hands of Regional District Central Kootenay thanks to Castlegar mayor Lawrence Chernoff and councillor Kirk Duff passing it off, but the purchase goes through the Ministry of Transportation and Highways.

Gordon Zaitsoff, director for Area J - Lower Arrow/Columbia for the RDCK, isn’t concerned about funding as he also made a $150,000 donation towards the cause. The Ministry of Transportation is also contributing that amount, but because cost of demolishing the bridge is $200,000, Zaitsoff is going to request for more. He also mentioned that the Columbia Basin Trust would be contributors.

Zaitsoff has said it will take three to four months to complete the project with the cost being $900,000 with paint and $700,000 without.

The project was initiated in the early ‘90s and died off until Zaitsoff was elected in 2003.

"It’s important for historical value and it’s link to the Trans Canada Trail which starts in Vancouver," Zaitsoff said. "I think this is the last kick at the can. The bridge went up in 1916 and our goal is to restore it with treated timber. It’s one of the first inland bridges constructed in the southern Interior."

Because it also deals with culture and heritage, Zaitsoff stated that they will apply for Cultural and Heritage grants.

"I’m excited about it and I’d sure like to see this project finish," he said.
Back  Castlegar News Page 10 Sept. 12/07  
This site is maintained by the Brilliant Bridge Restoration Committee c/o Castlegar & District Recreation Department, Regional District of Central Kootenay, 2101 6th Avenue, Castlegar, B.C. V1N 3B2 e-mail: Administration or Webmaster. No photos may be used without prior written consent.

 

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