The new pedestrian walkway bridge connecting the RC Cotton trailhead and Scout Island was successfully lowered into place today. This is a further step that the City is taking towards improving the trail network for residents and the accessibility to Scout Island.
“This has been a fantastic project from the beginning, and the vision that we have for the trail network in Williams Lake is starting to take shape,” said Williams Lake City Councillor Scott Nelson. “We acquired the lands, started the new trail and finished the bridge. Now we look forward to further developments such as the boat launch and a cantilever walkway connecting to the beaches of South Lakeside.”
Although the bridge is now sitting in place, there remains the installation of some key pieces, such as the railings and walkway, before it is officially opened for the public to enjoy. The bridge itself and the majority of all its components were locally sourced.
“I’m happy that a project of this significance and prominence was made possible by local contractors with local workers using local materials,” mentioned Councillor Scott Nelson.
Once the bridge is opened for public use, there will be an uninterrupted path from the eastern tip of Scout Island to the bottom of the RC Cotton trailhead by Highway 20, with the intention of further connecting it to the Fraser River.
“We are taking things one step at a time, but we want to make sure we can connect all the trails right to the Fraser River,” mentioned Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. “Right now, you have to pass through town to access the River Valley trails by the Station House Gallery, but there will be a time when we will be able to walk on the trail right from the Fraser River to the shore of Williams Lake.”
With favourable weather, we hope that the bridge will be open to the public this winter.
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