Pedestrian Bridge – Mamquam Blind Channel
Construction and commissioning of the operable pedestrian bridge over the Mamquam Blind Channel are ongoing. These works may temporarily restrict navigation through the designated channel. The bridge includes operable spans across the navigation corridor and may be either open (navigation permitted) or lowered (restricted for tall vessels).
Outside of working hours, the bridge will generally remain in the open position. During construction hours, the bridge may be lowered without notice to facilitate work. Marine users should plan transit accordingly and always proceed with caution within the work zone. Vessels unable to safely pass beneath the bridge in the lowered position must request an opening in advance.
Contact Methods for Bridge Access and Opening Requests:
- Verbal or signalled communication with the construction crew at the bridge site
- VHF Channel 13 (Primary – monitored during working hours)
- Construction Manager / Bridge Operator: 250-241-0886
- Superintendent / Secondary Operator: 604-312-2324
Bridge openings will be completed as soon as reasonably practicable, subject to safety constraints.
Navigation Guidance
Vessels with sufficient clearance may pass under the bridge at their own discretion. All vessels shall proceed at safe speed, maintain continuous lookout and be prepared to yield to construction operations.
Delays should be expected during working hours (typically 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday).
All marine users must exercise extreme caution when navigating through the construction area and comply with posted signage and instructions from site personnel.
In 2017, Council approved a developer amenity contribution for the Waterfront Landing development (SEAandSKY) which will provide a benefit to Squamish residents who live in the southern neighbourhoods of town, and to Downtown residents and visitors providing access to a new waterfront park. The pedestrian lift bridge will connect both sides of the Mamquam Blind Channel at Victoria Street.
The pedestrian bridge will provide an important active transportation link for residents of Waterfront Landing, Valleycliffe, Hospital Hill, the St'a7mes community, and Downtown Squamish, creating more opportunities to walk and cycle to/from Downtown Squamish and further reduce the reliance on vehicle use. The Corridor Trail connects to the new Clarke Drive bridge west of Highway 99, which will then easily connect to Downtown via this pedestrian bridge.
Construction and commissioning of the operable pedestrian bridge over the Mamquam Blind Channel are ongoing. These works may temporarily restrict navigation through the designated channel. The bridge includes operable spans across the navigation corridor and may be either open (navigation permitted) or lowered (restricted for tall vessels).
Outside of working hours, the bridge will generally remain in the open position. During construction hours, the bridge may be lowered without notice to facilitate work. Marine users should plan transit accordingly and always proceed with caution within the work zone. Vessels unable to safely pass beneath the bridge in the lowered position must request an opening in advance.
Contact Methods for Bridge Access and Opening Requests:
- Verbal or signalled communication with the construction crew at the bridge site
- VHF Channel 13 (Primary – monitored during working hours)
- Construction Manager / Bridge Operator: 250-241-0886
- Superintendent / Secondary Operator: 604-312-2324
Bridge openings will be completed as soon as reasonably practicable, subject to safety constraints.
Navigation Guidance
Vessels with sufficient clearance may pass under the bridge at their own discretion. All vessels shall proceed at safe speed, maintain continuous lookout and be prepared to yield to construction operations.
Delays should be expected during working hours (typically 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday).
All marine users must exercise extreme caution when navigating through the construction area and comply with posted signage and instructions from site personnel.
Construction of the bridge deck above the Mamquam Blind Channel is ongoing.
- Marine users are advised to use caution when transiting the construction area outlined below.
- Barges and equipment will be operating within the area and, at times, construction will be taking place overhead.
The final bridge spans will be installed between Span 3 to 3.5 and 3.5 to 4 commencing the week of March 2 – 6, 2026.
No transit of the waterway is permitted in the navigation channel. It is estimated that this closure will require 2-3 days for a 6–10 hour period.
At the end of the workday, the span will be in the open position. Crews will be available to escort water users through the worksite. To request assistance, use VHF Channel 16. For vessels that cannot be accommodated, Transport Canada has allowed anchorage/moorage opportunities on the south side of the bridge. Jacob Bros. will issue Navigational Warnings (NAVWARNs) to communicate the exact dates of the work.
Pedestrian Bridge construction activity is currently underway. Work is scheduled to take place throughout the summer with activity occurring between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. - All scheduled activities are subject to change based on weather conditions, equipment availability, and site logistics. While every effort will be made to minimize disruptions, please expect the following:
- Intermittent traffic delays along Loggers Lane and near the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Loggers Lane.
- Temporary parking restrictions in the parking lot located at the east end of Main Street.
- Temporary closure of a section of the Xwu’nekw Park for a staging area.
- Temporary pedestrian access restrictions in the park area near The Broken Seal restaurant (38038 Loggers Lane), particularly during crane operations.
- Construction noise and increased vehicle activity in the vicinity during daytime hours.
- A pedestrian detour will be established to safely redirect foot traffic when necessary.
- One way traffic to the Sirocco 3 underground parking will be maintained.
In-water piling is expected to resume mid August 2024 to support the structure of the new pedestrian bridge. The pedestrian bridge is expected to be complete this winter. This work is being done in compliance with the District of Squamish Noise Regulation Bylaw along with federal authorization from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and District authorization via a servicing agreement and other environmental permits.
In-water piling phase of the pedestrian bridge is now paused in accordance with the Fisheries and Oceans Canada authorization, and is anticipated to resume in Summer 2024.
In-water piling work is now underway in order to support the structure of the new pedestrian bridge. This initial phase of construction is set to be complete by the end of February 2024, with out-of-water foreshore construction expected to be complete by spring 2024. This work is being 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.
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)
Once complete, the bridge will be owned and managed by the District of Squamish.
The District has undertaken prior work to budget and plan for the operation of the bridge in its Five-Year Financial Plan
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 Operating Parameter terms and conditions, as approved by Transport Canada, will govern the initial operation of the bridge. Updated information shared here when available.
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.
There may be some closures related to marine travel when the draw bridge components of the bridge are installed.