Regional District of Nanaimo directors have committed millions of dollars toward a pedestrian bridge link spanning the Nanaimo River to connect the South Wellington and Cedar communities. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

big ticket item

RDN approves multi-million dollar pedestrian bridge over Nanaimo River

Oct 25, 2023 | 2:46 PM

NANAIMO — Following a lengthy one-hour debate, the more expensive of two options was chosen to construct a pedestrian bridge between South Wellington and Cedar.

During a Tuesday, Oct. 24 Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) board meeting, directors settled on an estimated $5.2 million truss bridge involving two spans each about 100 meters long which would connect both sides via an island in the Nanaimo River.

The price point was the source of extended discussions among board members, with the newly recommended truss option estimated to be roughly $1.7 million more expensive than a suspension bridge link.

“Not only will this bridge connect these two provincial parks providing excellent recreational opportunity, it will also connect the two communities that are divided by a river,” electoral area A director Jessica Stanley said.

Providing a higher quality link between Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park to Cedar means a more viable, steady surface for cyclists, while also allowing establishing passage for equestrian users, Stanley said.

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Stanley, who advocated strongly for the truss bridge option at the committee level, represents the Cedar and South Wellington communities.

“The truss bridge better suits the community’s needs and is a more practical use of tax dollars,” she said.

Contemplated by the RDN for nearly 20 years, a recently completed feasibility study by an engineering firm broke down the differences between the sturdier, industrial-looking truss option and the more aesthetically pleasing suspension bridge link.

The report by Herold Engineering cited the wobbly nature of semi-flexible decks of pedestrian suspension bridges as a potential drawback.

“…they can be quite lively under load and vibrate excessively. This often is acceptable to some users in a park setting but others may find it unacceptable as the excessive vibration may not be comfortable,” the report stated.

The main advantage of the suspension bridge option, according to Herold Engineering, was the relative affordability factor and low maintenance requirements.

The cost estimates provided for both concepts were based on “preliminary design and site data” and subject to change.

Nanaimo RDN board representative Leonard Krog strongly endorsed the truss bridge, stating he didn’t believe the differences in cost justified going with the more affordable option.

“That’s essentially the cost of two average homes in Nanaimo for a piece of public infrastructure that will be used a great deal by local folks, but also encourage and promote tourism, more accessibility to the Morden Mine site,” Krog said.

Several other board members were less enthusiastic about the truss bridge concept, with the pricier model receiving a narrow endorsement.

Nanaimo representative Erin Hemmens cited the ability to support regional park acquisition initiatives by going with the cheaper suspension link.

“The difference of $1.7 million dollars for a bridge that is going to function well, perhaps not allow horses across or not meet every community need but continues to make that connection and connect those two communities, is probably good enough,” Hemmens said.

The RDN currently has $2.3 million in the budget for its Nanaimo River pedestrian bridge vision.

Tom Osborne, general manager of recreation and parks for the Regional District of Nanaimo, told the meeting he believes the project would qualify for senior government active transportation grants.

He noted the Nanaimo Foundation has committed $200,000 to support the project.

In a statement to NanaimoNewsNOW, the RDN’s manager of parks Rick Daykin stated the detailed design, costing and required studies for the Nanaimo River pedestrian bridge project will occur through next year.

“The RDN does not currently have a timeline for tender and construction,” he stated.

The portion of planned trail linking the east bank of the Nanaimo River to Cedar Rd. is undeveloped, Daykin noted, which is within the Agricultural Land Reserve, requiring approval from the Agricultural Land Commission.

“Approval was granted by the Agricultural Land Commission in 2018 for trail construction to be completed by January 2024. The RDN is currently in the process of extending this approval,” Daykin wrote.

Future pathway development is required east of the Nanaimo River to advance the Morden Colliery Regional Trail to Cedar Rd. (RDN/Herold Engineering Ltd)

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Ian.holmes@Pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes