Pedestrians at Parksville’s Shelly Creek Park South will soon have a new bridge to use.
A new 50-foot footbridge will be installed in the park between Aug. 24 and Sept. 15, depending on the weather, and will allow for safe access across Shelly Creek. Parts of the trail that access the creek will be closed to the public during that time.
READ MORE: Parksville Qualicum Beach stream stewards working to restore Shelly Creek
Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhance Society are stewards of Shelly Creek and work to protect the stream and riparian area, which is home to coastal cutthroat trout as the only fish-bearing stream in Parksville. A local company, Riptide Marine, will customize the aluminum bridge for the site.
The Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) from Current Environmental is serving as the liaison with Ministry of Forest Lands, Natural Resource Options and Rural Development and the city says they’re working within the least-risk-to-fish window. The QEP will be on-site for all critical work around the creek, the city says.
“The city is fortunate to benefit from the work by Mid-Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society volunteers to restore habitat and to educate the public about creek protection,” read a release from the city. “Once installed, the city will upgrade the trails accessing the creek and work with MVIHES on further habitat restoration. The cost of the bridge is anticipated to be $15,000.”
— NEWS staff, submitted