Staff, volunteers, visitors and local dignitaries attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the reopening of the floating boardwalk’s north section.
The $350,000 first phase was built with contributions to the sanctuary’s Bridges to Nature campaign.
The north section was closed during the summer so replacement renovations could take place in its zig-zag section through the willows.
The first phase was all that funding would allow.
The nature sanctuary’s trails and south section of the boardwalk that spans the lake remained open to joggers, walkers and birders during construction.
“We knew the boardwalk was coming to the end of its life but it wasn’t until we took the old one apart it became really apparent,” said Kathleen Burton, executive director of the non-profit organization that maintains the natural habitat and Nature House where visitors of all ages can participate in programs.
“The wooden one was beautiful but it’s seen its day.”
New floats and fibreglass decking were installed during the project’s first phase, said Burton, who thanked architect Bradley Shuya and Knappett Construction’s team for completing it on time and on budget.
“The only cranes that remain on site after a plethora of machines and equipment this summer are of the water fowl variety,” joked Burton, who said replacing the weather-beaten wood original was a huge undertaking.
Fundraising campaign chairman Steve Chang thanked volunteers and contributors, including Saanich ($100,000), Victoria Natural History Society ($75,000) and individual donations from Sanctuary members and public.
The sanctuary’s board chairwoman, Joan Cowley, welcomed dignitaries including Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell; Rob Fleming, NDP MLA for Swan Lake; Eva Riccius, Saanich’s senior parks manager; and Doug Henderson, the municipality’s director of parks and recreation.
Burton said her priority now is working toward building community partnerships and to “foster the community’s understanding and appreciation of nature through the work we provide.”
She said visits this week by groups from Berwick House retirement home and students from a local Montessori School reflected how far-reaching the sanctuary’s appeal has become.
“What a joy it was to have them here,” Burton said.
The next goal is to raise $800,000 to complete the second phase, the south boardwalk, crossing the lake north to south.
For more information about the Bridges to Nature Campaign, go to swanlake.bc.ca.
