Clem Gardner’s relatives at the sign unveiling. L-R: Janet Hawes (widow of Mike Hawes, grandson), Haley Hawes (great, great granddaughter) and Kevin Hawes (great grandson).
Alberta Transportation placed new signs on the bridge over the Elbow River on Highway 22 on March 7. The bridge was originally dedicated to Clem Gardner for his work with the Canadian Army back in the 1940s when they erected a log bridge as a training exercise and improved community access, presumably including access to then Sarcee Barracks. A commemorative plaque was placed honouring the Clem Gardner name on the modern bridge when it replaced the log structure. The bridge has since been renovated and the plaque was misplaced or possibly grew legs. An ad hoc volunteer group has raised the need for identification of the bridge name especially its place on ‘The Cowboy Trail’. Clem Gardner is still a much honoured and respected cowboy who ranched many years in the nearby Pirmez Creek and Highways 17/22 area. He is well-celebrated especially in a feature statue on the Calgary Stampede Grounds.Supplied
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