Whistler trails are getting a $250,000-improvement, as the bridge over 21 Mile Creek on the Rainbow Falls Loop trail is set for replacement.
According to the initial request for proposals document from the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), “the (previously) existing 17-m span log-stringer bridge has reached its end of life and requires removal and replacement with a new, high-character, long-lasting and low-maintenance recreation bridge.”
The $250,000 project is intended to replace the wooden pedestrian and cycling bridge with a wider steel bridge more suitable for longevity, varied users and flood risk.
The replacement bridge will be higher (and further above the creek), and wider.
“The width was adjusted to accommodate adaptive mountain bikers, something the previous bridge could not. The increased height will aid with futureproofing, taking flood risks into account,” said an RMOW communications official in an email to Pique.
The project, which is funded through the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI), was intended to be worked on and completed through September-October 2023, but as of early December, is incomplete, with only the concrete base in place when Pique visited the site.
“Partway through the replacement, the design engineer changed how the bridge will meet and attach to the concrete, which in turn delayed steel fabrication,” said the RMOW official.
The new bridge is expected to be completed before the end of the year, however.
“The completion date is tentatively set for Saturday, Dec. 23 of this year, depending on the weather. We hope our residents and guests will be able to make use of the new bridge and complete the loop soon!”
The bridge replacement appears in the RMOW’s 2023 budget documents as one of three new bridge replacement projects expected to be carried out over the next few years, with one bridge replaced per year. Each is expected to be covered by RMI funding.
Morden sole local signatory of Gaza letter
The RMOW’s Jessie Morden is the sole Whistler councillor to sign a letter demanding a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Morden joins 84 other local government councillors, mayors and directors from around British Columbia in signing the open letter which was directed to the Canadian government.
“We are ashamed at Canada’s abstention at the United Nations General Assembly on a resolution calling for ‘an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities.’ Canada should be a leader on the world stage, but instead, sat on the sidelines,” reads the letter.
“As local government elected officials, we are united in our call for Canada to join the growing national and international community and demand for an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages, and a just peace for all.
“We condemn all acts of anti-semitism, anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia in our communities, which have risen since the escalation of violence this past month, and will work to ensure our communities are just, safe and welcoming for all. We stand with innocent Palestinian and Israeli civilians, during a heartbreaking time, in saying that Canada must act now.”
When reached by email, Morden declined to comment further on putting her name to the letter, instead directing Pique back to the letter itself.
Though no other Whistler councillors signed the letter, in neighbouring Squamish, four councillors added their names. The District of Squamish council opted to not write a letter on behalf of the municipality by a 2-5 vote on Dec. 5.
Canada has since supported a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joining with the leaders of Australia and New Zealand to release a joint statement on Dec. 12.
Both Canada and Australia had abstained from previous resolutions calling for a truce.
