The City of Courtenay has officially opened its new 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge, providing a safe and accessible route across the Courtenay River for people walking, cycling, and rolling.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Friday to mark the completion of the project, which opened ahead of Canada Day and the busy summer season.

Mayor Bob Wells says the project is the culmination of over 20 years of work and anchors the heart of the City.

The bridge was finished three months ahead of schedule and about $400 thousand under budget.

City officials say it will improve travel between the east and west sides of the river while strengthening connections between neighbourhoods, trails, parks, businesses, and the downtown core.

The four-metre-wide cable-stayed bridge is designed to be universally accessible and links 6th Street with Simms Park.

The project also includes a new connection to the Courtenay Riverway Trail. A welcome pole carved by Karver Everson will be installed at a later date.

The project cost $10.7 million, with funding provided by the federal and provincial governments, along with the City of Courtenay. The bridge is now open to residents and visitors.

For more information, visit City of Courtenay.