Province seeks input on Cowichan Valley trestle bridge replacement
The bridge is located southeast of Lake Cowichan, just west of Glenora Trails Head Park. (B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure)
The British Columbia government is looking for public input on the proposed replacement of a century-old rail trestle that was repurposed as a recreational trail connector between Duncan and Lake Cowichan.
The proposal seeks to replace Holt Creek Bridge, part of the Cowichan Valley Trail, with a new steel structure that would accommodate pedestrians, cyclists and horses.
The proposed design is also sturdy enough to carry maintenance equipment and emergency vehicles that need to access the area, according to the province.
The bridge is located southeast of Lake Cowichan, just west of Glenora Trails Head Park. In 2018, the Cowichan Valley regional district reported more than 25,000 visitors used the park annually.
The existing Holt Creek Bridge opened in 1922 and served as a rail bridge until 1991, when CN Rail handed the line over to the province.
Structural improvements and upgrades were made to the bridge in 2002 and 2018, but a structural assessment in 2017 found the bridge was nearing the end of its lifespan and recommended a complete replacement rather than continued repairs.
The province says the new bridge would span the entire stream below, removing the need for creosote-treated timbers in the waterway.
The existing wooden trestle bridge spans 73 metres while the new bridge design is one metre longer and features concrete footings, steel girders and a timber deck.
Cowichan Valley Trail users and others interested in the Holt Creek Bridge are invited to an information session on March 27 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Cowichan Community Centre at 2687 James St. in Duncan.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure staff will attend the meeting to answer questions about the project.
Following the design and funding approval phases, construction of the new bridge would begin in late 2023 or early 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Antipsychotic drugs use increased in Canadian long-term care homes, pointing to possible quality-of-care issues: study
New study finds increase in antipsychotic drugs use in long-term care homes across Canada, despite no significant increase in behavioural symptoms – something that may expose a potential area of concern for quality of care, researchers say.
More than 5,000 new species discovered at future deep-sea mining site in Pacific Ocean
More than 5,000 new species have been discovered at an expansive future deep-sea mining site in the Pacific Ocean.
Here's what Nova Scotia's wildfires look like from outer space
Photos released by NASA taken from International Space Station show the immense scale of the wildfires in Nova Scotia, with billowing smoke engulfing the landscape.
Notorious serial killer Paul Bernardo moved to medium-security prison in Quebec
Notorious serial rapist and killer Paul Bernardo was moved to a medium-security prison in Quebec this week.
Special rapporteur David Johnston’s office hired crisis communications firm Navigator
Special rapporteur David Johnston has hired crisis communications firm Navigator, his office confirmed on Friday.
Air Canada should face more consequences after two disruptions in a week, consumer advocate says
An airline consumer advocate says Air Canada should face tougher consequences for stranding passengers after two disruptions in a week.
Canada's 'unprecedented' fire season linked to climate change, will be the new normal: scientists
At the moment, wildfires are burning across six provinces and one territory in Canada — and they’re still spreading in what’s being called an unprecedented fire season. While firefighters work tirelessly to battle the merciless flames and prevent further destruction, scientists say the wildfires are linked to climate change and that this will be the new normal.
'Utterly disgusting': Canadian Army sergeant fined for 'anti-Jewish' comments
A 38-year-old sergeant in the Canadian Army was fined $3,000 and issued a severe reprimand after he made what a military judge described as 'utterly disgusting' anti-Jewish comments while conducting an infantry training course in 2021.
Experts warn of 'rapid' growth of IBD as number of Canadians diagnosed set to reach 470K by 2035
The number of people in Canada with inflammatory bowel disease is increasing rapidly and is expected to grow to 470,000 by 2035, according to a new report from Crohn's and Colitis Canada.
Vancouver
-
'Quite frustrating': B.C. man still waiting for EV ordered in 2020
A B.C. man who put a deposit down on an electric vehicle in 2020 is still waiting to learn when it will arrive.
-
Dry conditions prompt wildfire, drought concerns in B.C.
There is little relief for British Columbia's wildfire fight in the immediate forecast.
-
Fiery ultralight plane crash in Surrey seriously injures one person
One person has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after an ultralight aircraft crashed and caught on fire in Surrey Friday afternoon.
Edmonton
-
'The biggest cheerleaders': Dedicated group help keep Ryan Shtuka's story alive five years later
Brought together by kindness and heartbreak, a group of women is helping an Alberta mother make sure her missing son is never forgotten.
-
Edmonton teen bystander shot in downtown shooting during 'altercation': police
A teen bystander was shot during an altercation outside the Edmonton Convention Centre Thursday evening, police say.
-
Child killed in pedestrian collision in Grande Prairie Friday: RCMP
A child is dead after being hit by a trailer in Grande Prairie on Friday.
Toronto
-
Notorious serial killer Paul Bernardo moved to medium-security prison in Quebec
Notorious serial rapist and killer Paul Bernardo was moved to a medium-security prison in Quebec this week.
-
Man in life-threatening condition after stabbing at Kennedy TTC station
A man is in hospital after being stabbed at Kennedy Station, police say.
-
DOWN THE BALLOT: 5 mayoral candidates you might not know yet
In a crowded mayoral election, featuring more than 100 candidates, it’s been easy for lesser known politicians to get lost in the scuffle.
Calgary
-
Lucky duckies saved after falling down Calgary storm drain
Eight fuzzy ducklings were rescued from a precarious situation on Friday, thanks to Calgary police and workers from the City of Calgary.
-
Moraine Lake mandatory shuttle access starts up
It's the start of a new season at Moraine Lake and for the first time, you will have to take a shuttle bus to access the famous landmark -- no matter how early you're willing to show up.
-
Boil water advisory in effect for 3 Calgary communities
Three southwest Calgary communities are under a boil water advisory due to a watermain break Thursday afternoon at a nearby construction site.
Montreal
-
Bill 96: New rules for accessing English services in Quebec could change, says minister
Parts of Quebec's controversial language law that took effect Thursday could still be tweaked, according to the minister responsible for the French language.
-
Cyclist in his 50s fatally hit by car in Brossard
A cyclist died Friday evening after he was hit by a car in Brossard, on Montreal's South Shore. The incident occurred just after 8:00 p.m. on Taschereau Boulevard, near the intersection with De Rome Boulevard.
-
Notorious serial killer Paul Bernardo moved to medium-security prison in Quebec
Notorious serial rapist and killer Paul Bernardo was moved to a medium-security prison in Quebec this week.
Atlantic
-
Rain brings much-needed relief to firefighters battling Halifax-area wildfires
Officials in Nova Scotia say the Halifax-area wildfire that forced thousands of residents from their homes over the past week is now considered held.
-
Tantallon-area residents who lost homes in N.S. wildfire offered chance to view neighbourhood
Halifax is offering residents whose homes have been destroyed by wildfires the chance to view their neighbourhoods as fires continue to burn.
-
City of St. John's charges 70-year-old woman for feeding pigeons in her backyard
A Newfoundland woman says her 70-year-old mother is facing a $5,000 fine for feeding pigeons in her backyard in downtown St. John's.
Winnipeg
-
Crash and possible assault put school into hold and secure
A school in Winnipeg was placed into a hold and secure after a reported crash and possible assault in the area.
-
'An 1896 solution for a 2023 problem': The upcoming vote to allow religious instruction at a St. James school
An upcoming by-law vote about religious instruction is causing conflict in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division (SJASD).
-
Experts say these are the red flags to look out for when buying a flipped house
A Winnipeg man who bought a flipped home two years ago says some hidden problems have bubbled up to the surface – in some cases quite literally.
Kitchener
-
Woman airlifted after crash near Wallenstein
A woman in her 80s has been rushed to hospital with critical injuries after a crash near Wallenstein, according to Ornge Air Ambulance.
-
Ont. seniors’ home adopts pair of ducklings for animal therapy program
A long-term care home in Fergus, Ont. has adopted two ducklings as part of an animal therapy program to give its residents a sense of purpose.
-
Family escapes from burning Cambridge home, two cats killed in fire
A family of three is safe after they escaped a fire at their Cambridge home. Neighbours described the flames as "unbelievable."
Regina
-
Riders beat Bombers in pre-season finale
The Saskatchewan Roughriders edged the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-16 in their final pre-season test.
-
City officials ask drivers to avoid flooded underpasses as more rain on the way
The City of Regina has a three-phase approach to address the flooding that occurs at the downtown underpasses during most heavy rainfalls, including Thursday night’s storm.
-
Regina Police Service therapy dog, Merlot, officially retires
Eight years ago, the Regina Police Service (RPS) embarked on a facility dog program. Now, one of its first recruits officially retired from her career.
Barrie
-
Water crash in Oro-Medonte sends one person to hospital, other man facing charges
One person has suffered serious injuries in a crash on the water in Oro-Medonte.
-
Alleged gang members charged with shooting innocent man 13 times in Schomberg
Police charged three men, believed to be members of a street gang, with the attempted murder of a 65-year-old man who was shot 13 times while walking his dog in Schomberg in February.
-
‘Mole Mobile’: Mobile skin cancer unit rolls through Barrie
Melanoma Canada’s mobile skin cancer screening unit has rolled into Simcoe County.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon students say high school is censoring Pride week
Students at a Catholic school in Saskatoon say their high school is restricting and censoring Pride week celebrations.
-
Woman pleads guilty to Prince Albert community centre arson
A woman has pleaded guilty to starting a fire that burned down a Prince Albert community centre.
-
'I feel lucky to be around': Saskatoon shoe store celebrates 40 years on Broadway
For 40 years, Saskatchewan residents have been bringing their shoes into Broadway Shoe Repair for a fix or in search of a new pair of shoes.
Northern Ontario
-
Highway 11 reopens between Kapuskasing and Hearst
Highway 11 has reopened between Kapuskasing and Hearst after a two-vehicle collision Friday morning.
-
Three charged in northern Ont. for having campfire during fire ban
Three people have been charged this week after having campfires during the fire ban and one person could be fined up to $25,000 or face jail time.
-
Sewing needles found at 2nd Bracebridge beach, prompting closure
A popular beach in Bracebridge is open to the public two days after sewing needles were found in the water, but a second beach has since closed over safety concerns.