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The Town’s much-anticipated Waterfront Walkway and Viewing Platform opened 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 space.
In conjunction with these improvements, the foreshore has undergone a natural restoration with numerous native plantings creating an upland habitat meadow. These plantings will enhance the area’s beauty, stabilize the shoreline, and create valuable habitats for wildlife, thus preserving the ecological integrity of the area.
Capping off this transformation is the striking roundabout centrepiece designed by local
Qualicum First Nation artist, Jesse Recalma. The artwork honours the cultural heritage of the area and is inspired by the Qualicum First Nation totem pole that once stood nearby, which is now proudly displayed at the Qualicum Beach Museum.
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
from BC’s Destination Development Fund, $1,018,638 through the federal government’s
Active Transportation Fund, and $500,000 from BC Active Transportation.
The Ribbon Cutting marked the culmination of years of collaboration and effort from local contractors, both current and previous Town Councils, our First Nation partners, and numerous partner organizations who worked together to bring this incredible vision to life.
For more details on the project visit qualicumbeach.com/_viewing_walkway
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