The Centre Street Bridge was originally constructed in 1916 and the lions were installed with two facing north and two facing south. Over the years they have become well-known symbols of Calgary’s strength, integrity, and independent character. Exposure to Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles and the vibrations of the traffic on the bridge has caused the lions to become more fragile with each passing year. Efforts to preserve the original lions have been extensive.
In the 1970’s and 1980’s the bridge and lion statues under went major repairs to extend their life. In 1992 both the lions and bridge were designated a Municipal Historic Resource. A year later, the lions were added to our Public Art Collection.
In 1999 the Centre Street Bridge was closed down for major renovations. The lions were removed and with the help of a consulting firm, their physical condition was assessed. The assessment determined that the lions were not suitable for reinstallation on the bridge and out of the four lions, the southwest lion was in the best condition. The Calgary Heritage Authority recommended to Council that it be fully restored, a cast and mould created, and four new replacement lions be made and installed on the renovated bridge.
https://www.calgary.ca/arts-culture/public-art/rotary-park-lion.html