The suspense is over at Elk Falls Provincial Park just in time for the May long weekend.

Environment Minister Mary Polak joined the Rotary Club of Campbell River, Island Coastal Economic Trust and other community partners and BC Hydro today to officially open the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge.

The 60-metre long suspension bridge offers free family fun with unprecedented views of the majestic Elk Falls. If the suspense of crossing is too much to handle, visitors have safe views of the iconic falls from two new viewing platforms; one directly facing Elk Falls and one easily accessible for visitors of all abilities.

Expanded accessible trails around the park better serve hikers and those taking the short stroll from the new, larger parking lot to the falls. New maps can be found throughout the park, highlighting the area’s recreational features.

The Elk Falls Suspension Bridge is the cornerstone of a multi-year project undertaken by the Rotary Club of Campbell River to enhance Elk Falls Provincial Park. The club financed the approximately $740,000 project with help from Community Futures Strathcona, BC Hydro and BC Parks, with a matching grant from Island Coastal Economic Trust.

Rotary is now gifting the bridge and associated facilities to the Province to own and maintain as part of Elk Falls Provincial Park. These park enhancements will increase tourism and economic opportunities in the Campbell River area, as well as increase public safety and recreational activities for park visitors.

View photos of the new improvements to Elk Falls Provincial Park here: http://ow.ly/HIW3m

For more information on Rotary and pictures of the project, like the Rotary Club of Campbell River’s dedicated Elk Falls Suspension Bridge Facebook page here: http://ow.ly/LFkAK

Quotes:

Mary Polak, Environment Minister -

“The Elk Falls Suspension Bridge is truly a unique gift from the Rotary Club of Campbell River. Thank you to the club for their time and effort driving this project forward. The support from BC Hydro and BC Parks staff, as well as the community and area First Nations truly made this a community project which everyone should be proud of. This is a great example of successful partnerships in B.C.’s provincial parks.”

Lorrie David Bewza, president and project chair, Rotary Club of

“The Elk Falls Suspension Bridge Project started in 2009 as a vision by the Rotary Club of Campbell River to create an attraction to showcase this natural wonder. We gratefully acknowledge letters of support from the Wei Wai Kum First Nation, We Wai Kai First Nation, K'ómoks First Nation, Homalco First Nation, City of Campbell River and Strathcona Regional District, as well as the financial contributions from BC Hydro, Community Futures Strathcona, BC Parks and Island Coastal Economic Trust for this gift to our community. This world-class suspension bridge and viewing platforms are the result of the incredible work of Rotarians assisted by BC Parks, BC Hydro and the never ending support and generous donations of the people of Campbell River to the annual Rotary TV auction.”

Jessica McDonald, president and CEO, BC Hydro -

“This bridge is an example of BC Hydro’s commitment to working with First Nations and the community of Campbell River. Thanks to the opportunity provided by the John Hart replacement project, we have been able to take steps to make this bridge a reality and provide a project legacy for the community.”

Phil Kent, chair of Island Coastal Economic Trust and mayor of Duncan -

“This project is a perfect fit for the region and also supports the broader B.C. Tourism strategy and its focus on creating world class visitor experiences. We are pleased to see these provincial funding dollars at work in partnership with Rotary, BC Parks, BC Hydro and Strathcona Community Futures to support this community based approach to economic diversification and job growth. In our region, non-profit community groups such as the Rotary Club of Campbell River are increasingly becoming important partners in the development of tourism infrastructure and tourism products, and we would like to acknowledge their significant contributions to community and regional economic growth.”

Quick Facts:

• At 64 metres above the Campbell River, Elk Falls Suspension Bridge is the highest pedestrian bridge on Vancouver Island.
• 2015 is the 75th anniversary of Elk Falls Provincial Park.
• Parking is free in all provincial parks making them more accessible to families.

Learn More:

For more information on Elk Falls Provincial Park, visit: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/elk_falls/

Share photos from your trip across the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge at: www.Facebook.com/YourBCParks

For more information about B.C.’s provincial parks, visit: www.bcparks.ca

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

Lorrie Bewza
Elk Falls Suspension Bridge project chair
Rotary Club of Campbell River
250 287-0644
ElkFallsBridge@gmail.com