Repairing the Peace Bridge

The City has finalized a plan to repair the Peace Bridge after 70 per cent of the glass railing panels were vandalized in July. Working collaboratively with Santiago Calatrava Architects and Engineers and a local architectural firm, steel tension cables will replace the glass railing panels in a solution that maintains the original design for the bridge while also reducing costs for ongoing maintenance.

“We want to thank The City and congratulate them for arriving at a solution that respects the architectural language of the Peace Bridge. Again, we are very proud to have realized this beautiful bridge for and with The City of Calgary,” says Spanish-Swiss architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava.

With a plan in place, work is underway on the details of the repair that is scheduled to begin in Spring 2023 – including the purchase and fabrication of materials in North America.

“We know the Peace Bridge is a popular destination for both Calgarians and visitors, so it was important for us to come up with a plan that allows for both an efficient repair but also respects the iconic design of the bridge,” says Bridge Maintenance Manager Charmaine Buhler. “The change in materials from glass to steel allows us to ensure the Peace Bridge remains safe, durable and easy to maintain in the years to come.”

Public access to the Peace Bridge remains open, and in the summer months can see up to 9,000 daily visitors who use the pathways to cross the Bow River between the communities of Sunnyside and Eau Claire.

“Over the past decade, the Peace Bridge has become an iconic part of our skyline. Seeing it heavily vandalized repeatedly has been disheartening and costly," said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. "I heard from many Calgarians asking for a more practical and permanent solution. Replacing the bottom glass panels with durable tension cables will be more cost-effective, all while maintaining the bridge's unique design. I want to thank the architect for working with us and the many Calgarians who advocated for a solution.”

“The Peace Bridge is more than just a downtown asset – it has become a beloved gathering space and a key piece of Calgary’s cultural fabric,” said Ward 7 Councillor Terry Wong. “I continue to support City Administration’s recommendations to balance cost-effective innovations and sustainable maintenance strategy and will continue to work with Administration to find innovations to ensure that the experience of the bridge and sightlines of the river are not compromised for all ages and abilities and for those walking and wheeling through these new changes.”

For more information and to sign up to receive regular updates, visit Calgary.ca/peacebridge.