The Town of Qualicum Beach plans to complete the final phase of its Memorial Avenue upgrade later this year.
It will begin work on the two remaining components of the project, the Memorial Roundabout Viewing Platform and Separated Walkway starting this week. The project is expected to be completed by November 2023.
The town received $1,018,638 funding from the Government of Canada through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF). The grant will help propel the town’s efforts to create an enhanced and accessible waterfront experience for residents and visitors.
Scheduled to take place within the Fisheries construction window designated by the Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada, the construction crews will operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. The anticipated traffic interruptions will be minimal, with only brief pauses required to facilitate machinery access.
The project tender was awarded to Knappett Industries for a cost of $2,493,051. This federal ATF funding, in addition to $500,000 BC Active Transportation Provincial funding, has further solidified the financial support for this important project.
“We are immensely grateful to the federal and provincial government funding that enables us to accelerate the construction of the Memorial Roundabout Viewing Platform and Separated Walkway,” said Mayor Teunis Westbroek. “This funding will play a pivotal role in unlocking the waterfront’s full potential, creating a destination that promotes safety, accessibility, and active forms of recreation.”
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The town has long been committed to improving active transportation networks, particularly those linking the uptown area with the waterfront. The Memorial/19A route serves as a vital connection and gateway to town’s beloved beach, attracting countless visitors year-round.
The separated walkway is considered a crucial component of this project, significantly improving the safety and accessibility of the Memorial/19A route.
Pedestrians, scooters and other users will no longer need to share the bike lane with cyclists, which previously posed challenges for individuals with mobility devices or those seeking seating options. Moreover, the walkway will enable children and those uncomfortable navigating bike lanes in close proximity to traffic, to traverse the route with ease. To further support cyclists, a public bicycle repair stand will be installed, catering to cycling enthusiasts in the area.
In addition, the viewing platform will serve as a captivating destination, enticing both tourists and locals to pause and appreciate the breathtaking vista of the Beach Creek estuary and the Strait of Georgia. The installation of attractive and durable street furniture, along with interpretive signage, will elevate the appeal of the walkway, creating a comfortable and visually pleasing environment for visitors and residents alike.
— NEWS Staff, submitted