City of Regina Archives Photograph Collection, CORA-RPL-A-422

Title: Reservoir Dam Regina
Date: ca. 1908
Retrieval Number: CORA-RPL-A-422
Extent: 1 B&W print; 11 cm x 7 cm
Scope and Content Note: Albert Street bridge before the Albert Memorial Bridge was constructed.
Access Restrictions: None
Photographer: Unknown
Parent fonds/collection: RPL Photograph Collection
Historical Note: Before there was an Albert Memorial Bridge, there was a reservoir dam, made of timber and dirt, on the site where the Albert Memorial Bridge now stands. Regina has always been extremely low on water supplies, and in the early days of the town’s existence the reservoir dam was very important to the town’s survival. The dam was eventually replaced in 1908 with a new dam and bridge that allowed access to the newly constructed Legislative Buildings. In 1930 the decision was made to construct a newer, more attractive bridge as a make-work project for unemployed men during the Great Depression. The Albert Memorial Bridge eventually cost $250,000 and employed almost 2000 men.