A newly realigned portion of the Delta Nature Reserve boardwalk is open, improving access for people looking to escape the city and experience the natural beauty of Burns Bog.

“Having safe access to nature is essential to mental health and reducing stress, especially during COVID-19 times,” said the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, MP for Delta, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “It’s great to see the Delta Nature Reserve Boardwalk realignment now complete so the community can continue to enjoy the special beauty of Delta’s ecosystems, plants and animals. The new on-ramp built for this component of the broader Highway 91/17 upgrade project will also improve traffic flow and safety. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

Approximately 170 metres of the west section of the outer boardwalk loop was rebuilt and raised to minimize risk of flooding. The new alignment improves accessibility to environmental features such as the hardhack meadow.

“Burns Bog is an iconic landmark for Delta and a place that brings our community together,” said Ravi Kahlon, MLA for Delta North, on behalf of Rob Fleming, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “I’m grateful stakeholders and government worked collaboratively on this important realignment.  As a frequent visitor of the Delta Nature Reserve and a supporter of the Burns Bog Conservation Society, I very much look forward to visiting this new section of the boardwalk with my family.”

Four new viewing platforms provide visitors with a closer look at the diverse bog ecosystem. Four new memorial benches were also placed along the boardwalk, honouring loved ones and offering a resting spot for people to observe the hundreds of different plant, animal and insect species.

“We are really happy with the quality of the realigned section, and it provides a good vision of the work that needs to be done on the remaining sections of the boardwalk,” said Nikolai Karpun, research and stewardship co-ordinator, Burns Bog Conservation Society. “It is also great to see the new memorial benches with the plaques dedicated to those who supported the society when the boardwalk was first constructed. This was an important expectation for the Burns Bog Conservation Society, and we're appreciative of the collaborative process led by the Province.”

The Delta Nature Reserve boardwalk was realigned as part of the Highway 91/17 Upgrade Project. The design builder of the project subcontracted the work to Give Back Contracting Limited, in partnership with Kwikwetlem First Nation Enterprise. The realignment provides space for a new vehicle ramp connection between Highway 91 and the Nordel Way Interchange. The project includes a combination of safety and reliability enhancements to Highway 91, Highway 17 and the Highway 91 Connector, including:

• improvements to Highway 91 at Nordel Interchange;
• upgrades to the Highway 91 Connector at Nordel Way intersection;
• a new interchange at Highway 17 and Highway 91 Connector (Sunbury); and
• a new interchange at River Road connecting to Highway 17.

Once completed in 2023, the series of roadworks will increase highway efficiency and provide an easier commute for residents and commercial vehicles. Better acceleration and merge lanes along with additional interchanges will enhance safety for all drivers.

This project is part of the $260-million Highway 91/17 and Deltaport Way Upgrade Project package delivered by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Funding partners for this project include the Government of Canada through the National Infrastructure component of the New Building Canada Fund, the Province of British Columbia and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. The $5.2-million 27B Avenue upgrades component of this project is complete and was funded by the Tsawwassen First Nation.

Quotes:

Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority –

“Our mandate is to enable Canada’s trade while protecting the environment and considering local communities. We recognize that Canada’s growing trade can impact local communities and we are always looking at ways to reduce that impact working with a wide variety of stakeholders. Through the joint effort and support of all funding partners involved in this project, we are pleased to help improve the surrounding community spaces that mean so much to local residents.”

George V. Harvie, mayor of Delta –

“The Delta Nature Reserve Boardwalk is a wonderful amenity that allows unique public access to Burns Bog. We appreciate the partnerships that have facilitated this work to allow people to once again enjoy the beauty of nature in this area up close.”

Learn More:

Highway 91/17 Deltaport Way Project:  http://www.gov.bc.ca/highway91-17-deltaport