Cornwall Memorial Park bridge replacement

Background

In 2022, a Cedar tree fell on one of two pedestrian bridges across Squalicum Creek in Cornwall Memorial Park. After conducting a thorough inspection, staff determined the bridge was already dilapidated and needed to be replaced instead of repaired. The current bridge also partially blocks the flow of water during high-water conditions, which is not ideal for fish passage.  

In January 2024, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommended we demolish the bridge and add $500,000 to the budget for a new bridge in the 2027-2028 biennium.  

The new bridge will be better designed for fish passage and meet current environmental regulations. 

Status and timeline

We plan to handle the environmental review, permits, and demolition as part of the overall bridge replacement project. If we did the demolition separately, it would cost more, affect the site twice, and require our staff to redo reporting and permitting work. 

There’s no set schedule for the project yet. The timing will depend on available funding and how it ranks among other priorities. 

Why is replacing this bridge not a higher priority? 

We have many projects on our list, and we’ve focused first on bridges that block or limit safe public access, such as the repair in Arroyo Park and the new bridges that complete the Sunset Pond Loop Trail. In Cornwall Park, people can still cross Squalicum Creek safely and easily using the other bridge located just 265 feet downstream from the broken one. 

What will the new bridge look like?  

The new bridge will be designed for fish passage and will be compliant with current environmental regulations. The project will also involve environmental mitigation, including:  

• Removing excess pavement, concrete, and other structures that block the flow of Squalicum Creek 
• Planting native vegetation 

The bridge itself will follow the park’s standard design: weathered steel frame and an open-grated walking surface that allows to pass through. It will likely look similar to the Fever Creek Bridge we replaced in 2017. Similar to Cornwall Park, the previous bridge was not constructed to meet current fish passage and environmental regulations.  

Funding 

Greenways 

Contact  

• Project Engineer Gina Austin – gaustin@cob.org  
• Media: Kelsey Thomas, Assistant Communications and Community Relations Director – media@cob.org