City of Red Deer Public Art Opportunity
Canadian Pacific Rail Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Public Art Project – 2025/2026
Call for Artists
Canadian artists or artist teams are invited to submit expressions of interest for a public art opportunity for stage 1 of the CPR Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project in the city of Red Deer, AB.
Budget: $170,000 (including GST)
Deadline for applications: July 31, 2025, 4:00pm
Project Background
The CPR Pedestrian Bridge, built in 1908 by Canadian Pacific Railway, was used for trains until 1990 when the rail line was relocated. Although initially slated for demolition, the bridge was saved by local residents and converted into an active transportation structure. Recognizing its historical significance, Red Deer City Council designated the bridge a Municipal Historic Resource in 1991. Now over 100 years old, the bridge is undergoing full rehabilitation to restore its original grandeur, meet modern standards, and create an inviting space for the community. The project will also include landscaping and the creation of a plaza on the north side of the river, with two identified sites for public art.
Location
The public art sites are situated on the north side of the Red Deer River, within the newly created plaza. This location connects the Riverside Meadows neighbourhood to the city's renowned trail system, while the CPR Pedestrian Bridge links the north side to downtown Red Deer. There are two potential public art sites located on the outer edges of a trail roundabout: a primary site and a secondary site. In Stage 2, artists and artist teams can choose to submit a design for the primary site only or a design that engages both sites, creating a cohesive relationship between them.
The plaza and public art sites are situated on the ancestral lands of Treaty 6, within the traditional territories of the Métis, Cree, and Saulteaux peoples. Central Alberta also encompasses parts of Treaty 7, the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina Nation, and Stoney Nakoda Nations. This area has been a place of gathering, travel, and sustenance for Indigenous communities since time immemorial. The arrival of settlers and the imposition of colonial systems—through treaties, land dispossession, and the establishment of industry—profoundly disrupted these relationships. By the early 20th century, the site became home to the Bawtinheimer Mill and later the Great West Lumber Company (1900–1916), contributing to the industrial and residential development of North Red Deer.
Today, projects like the CPR Pedestrian Bridge offer an opportunity to reflect on these layered histories while imagining more inclusive futures. The bridge project aligns with key objectives from the Riverside Meadows Neighbourhood Redevelopment Plan, including beautifying the public realm, fostering a strong community identity, and preserving the area’s historical and cultural features. Riverside Meadows is a vibrant, and inclusive community, blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces while respecting its history and natural environment. The neighbourhood emphasizes sustainable development, green spaces, and accessible transportation, particularly through walking and biking, and encourages active community involvement in maintaining its unique identity.
Deliverables
Canadian-based artists (including artist teams) are invited to submit their portfolios and statement of interest to this stage 1 of a two-stage competition for the public art project competition for the CPR Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project.
The artwork(s) will serve as a welcoming beacon for cyclists and pedestrians, marking the entrance into north Red Deer. Situated along a pedestrian corridor, the piece will invite passersby to pause, gather, and reflect. The project encourages themes that align with the values of the Riverside Meadows neighbourhood, such as environmental stewardship, community connection, and the histories and stories of the area. This will be a site-specific sculptural artwork that responds to the location’s use, history, and natural environment. Designs that incorporate interactive elements are encouraged.
Required Submission Materials
Artists/artist teams are invited to submit their portfolios (up to 10 past projects) and shall include:
- Professional Experience - CV (lead artist)
- Portfolio of relevant past projects
- Letter of Interest outlining possible approach to this project
- Artist Statement and philosophy towards Public Art
| Rated Criteria Category | Submission Method | Weighting (Points)
|
| CV (lead artist if applying as a team) | Document Upload
| 10 |
Portfolio of Past Art Projects relevant to this project
| Document Upload | 60 |
| Letter of Interest outlining approach to this project | Document Upload | 20 |
| Artist Statement | Document Upload | 10 |
| Total Points | | 100 |
Selection Process
Submissions will be screened for eligibility based on the requirements listed above. Submissions that do not meet eligibility criteria will not be considered. Eligible submissions will be reviewed by the Public Art Commission and 3 to 5 finalists will be chosen to move onto the RFP stage. Those moving to the RFP stage will receive an honorarium of $2500.00 for the development of the final design concept. All applicants will be notified regardless.
Deadline and Submission Details
Proposals will be accepted until Friday, July 31, 2025, 4 pm MT. The detailed RFQL can be found here reddeer.bidsandtenders.ca
Respondents interested in this opportunity are invited to create a free Bidding System Vendor account at reddeer.bidsandtenders.ca and click on the "Create Account" button. To register as a Plan Taker, click on the “Register for this Bid” button.
Responses that do not fully meet the criteria above may not be considered. It is the respondent’s responsibility to request clarification of any item that is unclear or uncertain within the context of the RFQ package by using the “Submit a Question” button through the Bidding System.
Equity Statement
In the spirit of fostering inclusivity and celebrating diverse voices, this public art project welcomes artists of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to participate. We are committed to ensuring that artists from historically underrepresented communities, including but not limited to Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, disabled, and economically marginalized groups, have equitable opportunities to contribute to the cultural fabric of Central Alberta. We encourage submissions that reflect the rich diversity of our community, promote social justice, and inspire collective understanding.
