An updated cost for a bridge tailored for pedestrians and cyclists into Downtown Courtenay has been revealed.
At the March 12 Courtenay council meeting, council revealed the cost for the 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge has been updated to $11.2 million, up from the original $6.9 million.
Council directed staff to explore ways to secure an additional $4.3 million in long-term borrowing to help fund the project.
Mayor Bob Wells said it’s important to move forward with the project and they’ll continue to see grant funding to reduce the impact of taxpayers.
“The 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge is a cornerstone project for the downtown vitalization plan and an important in our downtown core.”
The project has been awarded $3.5 million in grant funding and the balance proposed will be paid for through long-term borrowing and reserves.
The bridge will be a four-metre wide crossing over the Courtenay River connecting the bottom of 6th Street to Simms Millenium Park, designed for cyclists, pedestrians, and other people-powered transportation.
Staff is moving forward to award the construction contract with work expected to begin in the fall and be completed by summer 2026.
