Edmonton's Light the Bridge!

The High Level Bridge, built in 1912, has always been a historical monument for the city of Edmonton. It’s been used to transport over the North Saskatchewan River from downtown to Old Strathcona for over 100 years, and now with over 60,000 LED lights illuminating the bridge, it stands as an icon of community spirit.

Several years ago the Light the Bridge project was presented to City Council. Organizers wanted to install 60,000 LED lights along the bridge, each with the ability to be controlled and coloured. The proposal did not include a request for government funding as it was something they wanted Edmontonians to do together as a community.

Upon receiving approval organizers ran a fundraising campaign allowing each bulb to be purchased with a $25 donation. Donations flooded in. $3 million later the High Level Bridge was lit for the first time on Canada Day 2014. Fireworks exploded behind the red and white bridge as part of the celebration.

The bridge changes colour on a regular basis. It shines green and gold for all Eskimo home games and blue and orange for all Oilers home games. Events of international significance, health awareness campaigns, tributes or memorials for national figures or service members will be recognized by changing Light the Bridge displays. Residents are able to request changes to the bridge colours on a case-by-case basis with the City of Edmonton.

Bridge displays have included pink lights for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s Run for the Cure and green and blue for World Habitat Day. Application requirements for lighting requests and a calendar of requested events can be found on the cities Lighting the High Level Bridge webpage.

Those who purchased a light can locate their specific bulb on the bridge at www.lightthebridge.ca.