Pedestrian Bridge – Mamquam Blind Channel

The bridge connects both sides of the Mamquam Blind Channel, providing access to Waterfront Landing Park from Downtown Squamish, and creating a cycling/pedestrian connection to Downtown from south Squamish. (Waterfront Landing Park was developed as part of the Waterfront Landing amenity contributions).

Location Details 
(click to enlarge)

The pedestrian bridge will be constructed by Bosa Properties and will be owned, maintained and operated by the District of Squamish.

The pedestrian lift bridge must meet the Navigable Waters Bridge Regulations of the Navigation Protection Act and any safety requirements established by Transport Canada or the District of Squamish.  The bridge operation is intended to provide access for marine users on an “as-needed” basis, with some variation in response times and procedures depending on the time of day and season.

The following Operating Parameter terms and conditions, as approved by Transport Canada, will govern the initial operation of the bridge:

Notes:

* Response times refer to the time the bridge tender has to respond to a lift request.

** Cycle time refers to the time it takes to close the pedestrian gates, initiate the lift, allow the vessel to pass, close the lift and close the pedestrian gates.

In addition to the on-site bridge tender, a number of steps will be in place to address safety:

• Marine communication protocols will include VHF frequency and cell phone call-in number.
• Safety gates, sensors, and lights to prevent unauthorized access during lifts.
• A closed-circuit television (CCTV) system will be established and managed by District staff to track all openings and transit data. This system will provide upstream and downstream views of the channel and pedestrian gates.

The pedestrian bridge requires and has received, approval from the Navigation Protection Program of Transport Canada due to the potential impacts on navigation in the Mamquam Blind Channel. It has also received Fisheries Act authorization through Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 

The initial phase of work will involve driving piles into the Channel, which will support the bridge structure. This will create some noise impacts.

Additional pile driving work will also be undertaken as part of the foreshore construction at the Waterfront Landing site. This work will be done in compliance with the District of Squamish Noise Regulation Bylaw along with federal authorization from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and District authorization via a servicing agreement and other environmental permits.