City of Courtenay opens Arden Active Transportation Bridge

The bridge is a part of the city’s growing active transportation network

City of Courtenay opens Arden Active Transportation Bridge Published 10:50 am Thursday, July 16, 2026 The Arden Active Transportation Bridge is now open. “The Arden Active Transportation Bridge is an important investment in the safety, connectivity and livability of our community,” said Mayor Bob Wells. “By completing this project ahead of the 2026/2027 school year, we are providing students, families and residents with a reliable and more convenient way to travel while continuing to build a connected active transportation network.”

Serving as a connection between the First Street and Lake Trail Road cycling and pedestrian corridors, the bridge officially opened on July 15. It is part of the City of Courtenay’s active transportation network and supports the city’s Safe and Active Schools program. The Arden Active Transportation Bridge also sees the city’s continuation of investing in cycling and other transportation infrastructure since the Connecting Courtenay: Cycling Network Plan’s completion in 2019.

The city says the bridge is another step forward in its efforts to improve safety for people walking, cycling and rolling. Planning for the bridge started in 2023. It also supports students and their families travelling to and from Lake Trail Community School, Ècole Puntledge Park Elementary School and Arden Elementary School.

“The Arden Active Transportation Bridge is an important investment in the safety, connectivity and livability of our community,” said Mayor Bob Wells. “By completing this project ahead of the 2026/2027 school year, we are providing students, families and residents with a reliable and more convenient way to travel while continuing to build a connected active transportation network.” Additionally, the city says construction was carefully managed to protect the surrounding ecologically sensitive area, resulting in little to no environmental disturbance.

Construction costs came from the approved annual Cycling Network budget.