Campbell River’s Elk Falls Suspension Bridge project over the Campbell River canyon can start being constructed after receiving $325,000 from the Island Coastal Economic Trust today.
The 90-metre suspension bridge will be 72 metres above the bottom of Elk Falls Canyon, making it the highest pedestrian only suspension bridge in Canada. The project will also feature an accessible viewing platform and access trail, creating new tourism opportunities for individuals with mobility challenges and families with strollers.
The overall project will also include an improved access road, expanded parking designed to accommodate tour buses and public washroom facilities, which will be constructed by BC Hydro in cooperation with B.C. Parks.
The new and unique status of being the highest suspension bridge in Canada will help transform this existing natural asset into a world-class visitor experience, bringing significant media attention and an increased profile to the entire region. The project offers the potential to attract new tourism markets and create niche businesses to service them.
“This project is a perfect fit for the region and also supports the broader BC Tourism strategy and its focus on creating world class visitor experiences,” said Mayor Phil Kent, Chair of the Island Coastal Economic Trust. “We are pleased to put these provincial funding dollars to work with funding partners BC Hydro and the federal government, to support this community based approach to economic diversification and job growth. In our region, non-profit community groups such as the Rotary Club of Campbell River are increasingly becoming important partners in the development of tourism infrastructure and tourism products, and we would like to acknowledge their significant contributions to community and regional economic growth.”
“The Rotary Club of Campbell River is very excited to have received grant approval from Island Coastal Economic Trust. We now have all the funding in place so we can begin the construction of the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge located in Elk Falls Provincial Park,” stated Todd Peachey, President. “On behalf of the members of our club, we appreciate the confidence that Island Coastal Economic Trust has in our club’s ability to complete this world class tourism destination attraction. We are eager to see the long term sustainable economic growth to Campbell River and region brought on by this project.”
