Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge

[1] In 1901, J. and M. Vallance and Walter McGrath, assisted by George Noble Ryder, commenced an on-request, seasonal ferry service using a rowboat, small scow, and horse.

Ryder replaced the service with a seven-hp launch and scow, providing subsidized daily and an on-call trips.

[4] In 1917, a 7am–8pm free ferry service with a fixed subsidy was tendered, but Walter's bid was unsuccessful.

[1] The new ferry called Sea Wolf was nine-automobile capacity, 18 by 8 metres (60 by 26 ft), double ended, wooden hull, and powered by two 35-hp gasoline engines.

[8] Duke Patterson was the ferry captain 1922–1929, when a change of provincial government terminated his employment.

[10] In 1926–27, crew numbers were doubled for an extra weekend shift to handle increased traffic to the new Harrison Hot Springs Hotel.

[12] That year, vandals almost destroyed the Agassiz floating wharf by attempting to set it adrift.

Henley was awarded a five-year franchise for the service previously operated by the Department of Public Works.

[26] In June 1955, when floods damaged the Rosedale landing, heavy vehicles could not use the ferry for several weeks.

[29] Although the ferry had long been considered an unsuitable relic, a fear by many local businesses that easier access would threaten their livelihood became a reality.

[30] The Agassiz was overhauled, new engines installed, and renamed the T'Lagunna and began service in June 1957 as the Albion Ferry.

[28] Premier W. A. C. Bennett cut the ribbon and Highways Minister Phil Gaglardi was emcee.

[35] Months later, the bus and truck toll was reduced by 40 per cent for a book of 20 tickets.

A 2012 recommendation to widen the bridge deck and create a safe space for pedestrians and cyclists is not being pursued.

[43] Since the bridge has never been safe to cross on foot or by bike, residents continued to lobby for action.