A development permit has been issued for construction of a multi-use trail and bridge for the “much-anticipated” Little River Crossing Project, says the District of Sooke.
The trail and bridge will connect the Sunriver/Phillips Road neighbourhood, as well as École Poirier Elementary and Journey Middle School, to the town core.
The bridge crosses DeMamiel Creek, known as Little Creek by the T’Sou’ke First Nation.
“This project marks an exciting step forward in the development of Sooke’s trail system,” said Sooke Mayor Maja Tait in a statement. “It reflects our commitment to creating a walkable, connected community while protecting and enhancing our natural environment, and providing alternative means to get around Sooke to lessen reliance on Highway 14.”
The district said the project will transform an approximately eight-kilometre round trip on Highway 14, usually travelled by vehicle, into 1.2 kilometres of walking or cycling.
An invitation to tender will be posted for the project in the fall, with a construction contract to be awarded in December.
Site preparation is set for January and February, in advance of nesting season for birds from March to June, followed by the start of trail and boardwalk construction in the spring of 2025.
Work on the bridge will be done from Aug. 1-Sept. 15, 2025, and is being timed to protect area fish.
Project completion should be in fall 2025.
Funding of $500,000 from the provincial Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program and $1.3 million in federal funding were announced by Tait in March.
