Colchester selects design for pedestrian bridge at Fundy Discovery Site
The historic route across the Salmon River in Colchester County is undergoing a major restoration project with the construction of a multimillion-dollar pedestrian bridge at the Fundy Discovery Site, which is part of the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark.
Over a decade ago, the Municipality of Colchester acquired the former motel property in Lower Truro, N.S. Since then, the area has seen the addition of amenities such as a playground, an amphitheatre, and a tidal bore viewing platform that is currently under construction.
Plans for a bridge across the river have been in the works for years, but previous tenders exceeded the budget. To address this, the municipality pursued a design-build tender and secured federal approval for pier installation in the river.
After careful consideration, the council voted to move forward with a $7.9-million, three-pier wooden bridge with a curved design. The municipality will cover a portion of the project costs, with the remainder funded by the federal government.
The construction is estimated to be completed by January 2027, reinstating pedestrian crossing at the location. The bridge will connect Onslow to the Cobequid Trail and serve as a valuable tourist attraction, particularly for the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark.
Despite the excitement surrounding the project, not all taxpayers agree with the decision to invest millions in a pedestrian bridge. Some believe that the focus should be on fixing roads and addressing housing priorities.
The bridge plans coincide with an upcoming assessment of the Cliffs of Fundy sites by UNESCO Global Geopark evaluators. The geopark, designated in 2020, received a yellow rating in its most recent evaluation, prompting both county governments to commit to annual funding for the geopark through 2028.
In preparation for the evaluation, improvements such as a new website, promotional materials, and trilingual interpretive panels have been implemented. The hope is that these efforts will demonstrate a commitment to addressing recommendations and maintaining the geopark’s prestigious status.
