Alexandra Bridge

Guestbook The Alexandra Bridge, A symbol For Diversity

The Royal Alexandra Interprovincial Bridge was completed in 1900 by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). Originally conceived to carry CPR trains, it also carried electric trolleys and had a lane for carriage traffic, too. Today, the Interprovincial Bridge carries vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and rollerbladers and is still an important commuter link between Ottawa and Gatineau.

While the bridge provides a physical connection between two provinces, it also links two distinct cultures… That’s why as a bilingual Ottawan, I see this bridge as a Canadian symbol for diversity. The 15,000 vehicles, 2,000 pedestrians and 1,300 cyclists that it carries back and forth every day also symbolize for me the ongoing communication exchanges between Francophones and Anglophones. Together, they built this bridge and have shaped the great nation that is Canada. Together, they continue to build bridges into the future…

The Alexandra Bridge is an expression of my heritage. It reminds me that I belong – no matter which side of the bridge I’m on!