The Town’s much-anticipated Waterfront Walkway and Viewing Platform will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 3, 2024. This project reflects the Town’s commitment to unlocking the waterfront’s full potential by improving safety, attracting tourism, and fostering ecological health.

Situated at the Memorial Avenue/Highway 19A intersection - a key gateway to the waterfront - the newly constructed walkway is designed to enhance user safety and accessibility. The roundabout will now feature a dedicated elevated walkway and a separate bike lane for cyclists, reducing conflicts between the two user groups, especially for those with mobility challenges. In addition, the project includes the installation of a public bicycle repair stand to support cyclist activity.

Adjoining the walkway, the viewing platform is also set to be a popular destination for both tourists and locals, offering a place to pause and appreciate the stunning views of the Beach Creek estuary and Salish Sea. To complement the platform, the area will be outfitted with attractive street furniture and interpretive signage, creating an informative and welcoming environment.

In conjunction with these improvements, the foreshore has undergone a natural restoration with numerous native plantings creating an upland habitat meadow. This planting will enhance the area’s beauty, stabilize the shoreline, and create valuable habitats for wildlife, thus preserving the area's ecological integrity.

The project has been made possible with combined funding of $2,038,471, covering nearly two-thirds of the total project value of $3,022,989, thanks to generous support from multiple provincial and federal grants. Funding in the amount of $519,833 was received by BC’s Destination Development Fund, $1,018,638 through the federal government’s Active Transportation Fund, and $500,000 from BC Active Transportation.

“The Waterfront Walkway and Viewing Platform has created not only an attractive destination, but one that promotes safety, accessibility, and active forms of recreation,” said Mayor Teunis Westbroek. “The Town is grateful for the generous provincial and federal support that has helped make this project a reality”.

“Supporting communities with active transportation projects like the Waterfront Walkway and Viewing Platform gives more people the opportunity to experience their own backyard by cycling, walking or rolling,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “When all levels of government get together, we can help communities think bigger with their transportation strategies.”

“Tourism infrastructure projects like the Waterfront Walkway and Viewing platform create vibrant communities for residents and visitors and help people connect to the places they visit,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Our government is proud to support the tourism sector and visitor experience by enhancing tourism infrastructure throughout the province and strengthening a year-round visitor economy.”

“Our commitment to enhancing community connections is reflected in projects like the Waterfront Walkway and Viewing Platform. This project combines safety, learning, and recreation with interpretive signage on marine life and ecosystems, stunning waterfront views, and landscaping that supports natural habitats,” said the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “Investing in active transportation infrastructure brings numerous community benefits, including increased tourism, and a better quality of life for residents. We will continue to collaborate with all orders of government to support active transportation projects across the country.”

The Town invites all residents and visitors to attend the ribbon cutting on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 1:30 pm, next to the Visitor Information Centre at 2711 Island Highway, Qualicum Beach.

For further information on the project, visit qualicumbeach.com/_viewing_walkway

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media@qualicumbeach.com

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