The City of Courtenay is pleased to announce the opening of the Arden Active Transportation Bridge, an important addition to the City's growing active transportation network that provides a safe and accessible connection between the 1st Street and Lake Trail Road cycling and pedestrian corridors.
The bridge marks another step forward in the City's ongoing efforts to improve safety and create more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to walk, cycle and roll throughout the community. Since the completion of the Connecting Courtenay: Cycling Network Plan in 2019, the City has continued to invest in Infrastructure that strengthens connections between neighbourhoods, schools and key destinations.
Planning for the Arden Active Transportation Bridge began in 2023 to close a gap in the network and improve access for residents. The bridge also supports Safe and Active transportation for students and families travelling to and from Lake Trail Community School, École Puntledge Park Elementary School and Arden Elementary School.
"The Arden Active Transportation Bridge is an important investment in the safety, connectivity and livability of our community," said Mayor Bob Wells. "By completing this project ahead of the 2026/2027 school year, we are providing students, families and residents with a reliable and more convenient way to travel while continuing to build a connected active transportation network."
The project was delivered through the collaborative efforts of City staff and construction partners and completed within the approved annual Cycling Network budget. Construction was carefully managed to protect the surrounding ecologically sensitive area, resulting in little to no environmental disturbance while delivering an important piece of community infrastructure.
The bridge is now open and provides a safe, convenient and accessible route for residents travelling between neighbourhoods, schools and the City's expanding cycling and pedestrian network.