The City of Courtenay has completed the 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge project, creating a safe and accessible connection across the Courtenay River for people walking, cycling and rolling.
Community members, project partners and local officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, June 26, to celebrate the completion of the bridge. The new crossing opened in time for Canada Day and the busy summer season.
Completed three months ahead of schedule and $400,000 under budget, the project improves travel between the east and west sides of the Courtenay River while strengthening connections between neighbourhoods, businesses and community spaces.
“This bridge is an important investment in our downtown district and supporting community connectivity, helping people move safely between neighbourhoods, trails, parks and local businesses,” said Mayor Bob Wells. ”This bridge is the culmination of over 20 years of work and anchors the heart of our City. I want to thank residents and businesses for their dedication to this long-term project as well as their patience during construction, and recognize the crews, contractors, staff and project partners whose hard work and dedication helped bring this project to life.”
“Improving active transportation infrastructure helps communities stay connected as they grow. The completion of the 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge gives residents and visitors a safe and accessible route across the Courtenay River, “ said the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke. “We are proud to support projects on Vancouver Island that build active and vibrant communities.”
Key components of the project included:
- A four-metre-wide, cable-stayed bridge designed to be universally accessible for all residents, connecting 6th Street and Simms Park.
- A new connection between the Courtenay Riverway Trail and the 6th Street Bridge.
- A welcome pole carved by Karver Everson, supported by the Dawn-to-Dawn Action on Homelessness Society, to be installed at a later date.
The total project cost was $10.7 million and was supported by federal and provincial funding, including $2.5 million from the Active Transportation Fund, $2.555 million from the Growing Communities Fund and $500,000 from the community stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund.
The bridge is now open, providing residents and visitors with improved access across the Courtenay River.
To learn more, visit the project webpage.