Thunderbird Viaduct Bridge gets new plaque
The City of Moose Jaw, along with the South Hill Community Association (SHCA) officially unveiled a new plaque commemorating the history of the Thunderbird Viaduct in Moose Jaw (corner of 4th Ave SW and Home St.) on Wednesday, October 18. The restoration work was undertaken as part of the South Hill Community Association (SHCA) Local Area Plan. The bridge was constructed in 1929, and was named the “Thunderbird” Viaduct in 1952 in honour of Indigenous tribes that were native to the Moose Jaw area.
After 65 years, the new plaque was unveiled. President of SHCA, Crystal Froese says, “At this point in history, it is really important to recognize that we are on Treaty 4 land. The Treaty 4 flag was just installed; there is reconciliation going on across our country and it is time to recognize the history of the peoples who were here long before the pioneers came and settled. This unveiling is fitting for this time; it was long overdue.” The SHCA will be continuing more work to beautify South Hill as part of the Local Area Plan. “Through the Local Area Plan, we discovered all the history of the 4th Avenue Bridge and with it came some priorities the citizens of South Hill decided [to undertake]. Restoring the 4th Avenue Bridge was the dominant one and beautification of the area. We are also looking at putting a mural on the Palliser Regional Library and we have a few other things on the go. This will be a continuation of bringing to life the things that were found through the Local Area Plan,” Froese added.