A new fifty-foot pedestrian foot bridge has been installed in Shelly Creek Park South, which will allow for improved public access across the creek.
“Upgrades to the trail will allow greater inclusivity for those with mobility challenges and the new bridge will dissuade park users from directly accessing the creek thus reducing disturbance to the resident cutthroat trout population,“ reads a news release from the city of Parksville.
Riptide Marine built the customized aluminum bridge for the site and Current Environmental served as a liaison with the Ministry of Forest, Lands, Natural Resource Options and Rural Development, the city said.
The city said staff performed work within the least-risk-to-fish window and followed all applicable best practices for work in and around streams — including practices around harmful substances and spill management, the use of concrete materials, sediment and erosion control and site restoration.
The onsite crew included two arborists, one of whom has a riparian certificate, as well as horticulturists and equipment operators.
The city said the creek is home to a small population of resident coastal cutthroat trout and is the only fish-bearing stream in Parksville.
The city has further plans with Mid-Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society volunteers to replant and restore habitat and to educate the public about creek protection.
