6th Street Active Transportation Bridge

Follow Along With Us On the Journey!

The 6th Street Bridge will provide cyclists, pedestrians and other people-powered transportation connections from the bottom of 6^th Street to Simms Millennium Park, and the extensive trail networks on both sides of the Courtenay River.

• March 2025: Council has approved moving forward with award of contract, revising the project budget to reflect increased estimates. Read the full press release
• Learn More: Check out our Frequently Asked Questions - 6th Street Bridge
  
  

About the Proposed Design

A four-metre-wide symmetrical cable-stayed design was chosen for the project by council in December 2020. This design requires a smaller staging area during construction, with less impact on traffic and the environment, while remaining visually appealing.

Renderings of the proposed 6th Street bridge:

The proposed alignment:

Why an Active Transportation Bridge?

The 6^th Street Bridge will be of interest to many, with benefits that include:

• Providing a key connection between extensive pathways and cycling, while:
• Offering more confidence and safety for users
• Further encouraging alternate modes of transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions created by motorized vehicles.

 A 6th Street multi-use bridge has been in discussion for many years, and is included in the City’s recently completed Parks & Recreation Master Plan and referenced in the Transportation Master Plan for the City of Courtenay. In addition, the Downtown Courtenay Playbook notes an additional crossing at Sixth Street should be explored further.

Costs & Funding

March 2025 Update: Following the Request for Proposals, it was determined that an increased budget is necessary to complete the 6th Street Bridge Project. Council has directed staff to secure $4.3 million in long-term borrowing to complete the project, estimated at $11.2 million (previously $6.9 million). The project is paid for in part by the Government of Canada. Canada’s Active Transportation Fund is providing $2.5 million in funding for the project. $1 million in funding for the project will come from the Provincial Government’s Growing Communities Fund.  The remaining project costs not funded by the grants will be covered through long-term borrowing and reserves.  The City will continue to look for other grant opportunities to support the project.

What's Happening Now?

The project team is currently working on these important project steps:

• Finalize contract with successful proponent
• Engaging with stakeholder groups and businesses to provide updates
• Completing/submitting permitting applications

Project Highlights

• March 2025 – Budget for the project is revised following results of RFP process. March 12, 2025 Staff Report: 6th Street Bridge - Project Update
• November 2024 - Tender documents for construction of the 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge are now posted. The tender closes on Jan. 10, 2025. Link to BC Bid here.
• April 2024 - Council approval to sign Active Transportation Fund grant agreement, increrase project budget and increase long term borrowing authorization: April 10, 2024 Staff Report: 6th Street Bridge Grant Approval [PDF - 290 KB]
• March 2022 - Council approval to submit grant application for funding through Canada's Active Transportation Fund: March 28, 2022 Staff Report: 6th Street Bridge Grant Approval [PDF - 283 KB]
• July 2021 – Funding reallocation to detailed design phase and other related activities approved by council: July 19, 2021 Staff Report: 6th Street Multi-Use Active Transportation Bridge - Funding Reallocation [PDF - 618 KB]
• December 2020 – Symmetrical cable-stayed bridge option approved by council: December 10, 2020 Staff Report: 6th Street Bridge Project Update [PDF - 23 MB
• December 2020 – Detailed Options Analysis is completed and a symmetrical cable-stayed bridge is recommended: January 27, 2020 Presentation: 6th Street Bridge Multi-Use Options [PDF - 2 MB]
• June 2020 – Progress report is presented to council on status of grant application for Detailed Options Analysis: June 1, 2020 Briefing Note: 6th Street Bridge Project Update [PDF - 180 KB]
• January 2020 – Staff report presented to council detailing proposed 6^th Street Bridge project: January 27, 2020 Staff Report: 6th Street Bridge Options Analysis [PDF - 2 MB] [PDF - 776 KB]
• January 2020 – Feasibility study and design options review is completed: January 27, 2020 Presentation: 6th Street Bridge Feasibility Study [PDF - 2 MB]
• September 2019: Council directed City staff to expedite delivery of a range of options for a Sixth Street Multi-Use Bridge concept in order to provide greater information related to the design, cost, public safety features and funding source options for a Sixth Street crossing.