We always enjoy crossing the North Saskatchewan River on one of Edmonton’s many bridges. Not only do you get fine views, but also a cooling breeze.
The Groat Bridge (as well as Groat Road) is named after Malcolm Groat, a former Hudson’s Bay Company employee, who settled in the area in 1888.
The bridge was built in 1955, refurbished in 1990 and is currently undergoing a $48 million rehabilitation to replace both road decks and the existing piers and expand the East side shared path from 2.4 m (7 ft. 9 in) to 4.2 m (14 ft). It is 315.5 m (1,035 feet) long and carries 4 lanes of traffic.
(Source:Wikipedia)
Work was supposed to be complete in 2020, but bridge projects in Edmonton have a history of running long. Pity, as we could have used the wider path to keep our distance from joggers and cyclist who regularly use the bridge.
All photos taken September 24, 2020
Our walking path on this day, heading North.The view East A lot of work is being done from barges on the river. Photo taken from North bank of river in MacKinnon Ravine ParkClose up of bridge pier workHeading back South
After working for 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 3+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wanted me to do has been rewarding.
While I still miss the social aspect of working with a team of great people, I have managed to keep in touch with many from my former team and I have many friends and family members who now fulfill this part of my life. Now that my Patty has retired, we are able to spend more time in pursuits and with people who are near and dear to us.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may not become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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13 thoughts on “The Current Normal – September 24, 2020 Walk – (Part 4) Groat Bridge”
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I find it interesting that the reference to the Hudson’s Bay Company is still prevalent in 1888 when the transfer of the territory’s sovereignty began in 1868. However, there remained the commercial hold in many localities at the edge of civilization.
Good point, but the article said Groat was a former Hudson’s Bay Company employee. In fact, he signed on in 1861 at the age of 25 while still in Scotland. He retired from HBC in 1878. The Dominion of Canada granted a 3,000 acre reserve to HBC in 1870 around Fort Edmonton (basically HBC owned the rights to most of downtown Edmonton). When Groat retired, his homestead was on the edge of this reserve. Alberta did not become a province until 1905 and before that was part of the NWT (largely the unknown frontier), where large quantities of land were still held as Hudson’s Bay Reserve lands. I imagine this gradually changed after the area became a province. At Alberta Land Titles, so lots are still know as River Lots (these stretched down to the river from the HBC Reserve. Fascinating history, for sure. Thanks for reading and commenting. Allan
How many bridges do you have in Edmonton crossing the river, Allan? I love seeing splashes of autumn colours in your part of the world. Thanks for sharing and have a good day. Currently Ireland is under level 5 lockdown until December. We are not allowed to exceed 5 km when going for a walk or a drive. Because of the restrictions, all the forests where we usually go capturing autumn colours are out of our reach now. And it makes me sad, because I practically live for autumn. 🍂🍁Aiva 😀
I think there are 22 bridges (2 for Light rail pedestrian), 6 pedestrian only, 6 that carry 3 freeways over the river and 8 others. The fall colours this year were spectacular. Sorry to hear of the increased restrictions in your part of the world, Aiva. I know it is not the same thing as walking in the forests, but am happy to share our fall with you and my Jasper posts start on Friday. Here, now, we have an inch of snow on the ground and it is quite cold in the morning. Temps will not go above 0 before the 30th. I guess we are paying for our nice fall. Thanks so much for reading. Stay well. Allan
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THANKS 🙂
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Thanks and thank you for stopping by.
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My pleasure sir 🙂
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I find it interesting that the reference to the Hudson’s Bay Company is still prevalent in 1888 when the transfer of the territory’s sovereignty began in 1868. However, there remained the commercial hold in many localities at the edge of civilization.
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Good point, but the article said Groat was a former Hudson’s Bay Company employee. In fact, he signed on in 1861 at the age of 25 while still in Scotland. He retired from HBC in 1878. The Dominion of Canada granted a 3,000 acre reserve to HBC in 1870 around Fort Edmonton (basically HBC owned the rights to most of downtown Edmonton). When Groat retired, his homestead was on the edge of this reserve. Alberta did not become a province until 1905 and before that was part of the NWT (largely the unknown frontier), where large quantities of land were still held as Hudson’s Bay Reserve lands. I imagine this gradually changed after the area became a province. At Alberta Land Titles, so lots are still know as River Lots (these stretched down to the river from the HBC Reserve. Fascinating history, for sure. Thanks for reading and commenting. Allan
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Very interesting, I hadn’t dig that deeply into the history of Edmonton in relation to HBC. Thank you for the search.
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How many bridges do you have in Edmonton crossing the river, Allan? I love seeing splashes of autumn colours in your part of the world. Thanks for sharing and have a good day. Currently Ireland is under level 5 lockdown until December. We are not allowed to exceed 5 km when going for a walk or a drive. Because of the restrictions, all the forests where we usually go capturing autumn colours are out of our reach now. And it makes me sad, because I practically live for autumn. 🍂🍁Aiva 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think there are 22 bridges (2 for Light rail pedestrian), 6 pedestrian only, 6 that carry 3 freeways over the river and 8 others. The fall colours this year were spectacular. Sorry to hear of the increased restrictions in your part of the world, Aiva. I know it is not the same thing as walking in the forests, but am happy to share our fall with you and my Jasper posts start on Friday. Here, now, we have an inch of snow on the ground and it is quite cold in the morning. Temps will not go above 0 before the 30th. I guess we are paying for our nice fall. Thanks so much for reading. Stay well. Allan
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Can’t wait to see your photos from Jasper; I bet they are out of this world! 😀
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They were the best we have ever seen in over 40 years of visiting Jasper.
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