Finn Construction has been appointed to begin the foundation works for a new suspension bridge in Wakamow Valley. The $400,000 project designed by Wakamow Valley engineers will connect the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) through the valley and is part of a wider plan to relocate the trail to the more scenic bottom of the valley.

The design of the suspension bridge is based on a bridge built by PFRA at the Souris River Bull Station (Coalfield, near Estevan) in 1971, to give cowboys ready access across the river. The new bridge in Wakamow Valley will be 6ft wide with a 144ft clear span across the Moose Jaw River, in the valley east of the end of 4th Ave. SW.

Following the tender process, Finn Construction of Saskatoon was awarded the contract to complete the first phase and began work earlier this week.  Once complete, The Canadian Armed Forces, Construction Engineer Regiment, based at CFB Dundurn will erect the bridge, as a training exercise in the fall of 2016.

Margaret Moran, CEO at Wakamow Valley Authority comments: “We would like to thank everyone who has donated to our ‘Bridge the Gap’ project and contributed to turning this dream into a reality. We are particularly pleased to be working with the Canadian Armed Forces who have generously donated their time at no cost to Wakamow Valley Authority.”

“The bridge will be dedicated in honour of Gerry Wetterstrand, Wakamow Valley’s long standing volunteer of 35 years and a pioneer in bringing the concept and design of our unique suspension bridge to Wakamow Valley.”

In August, a scale model of the bridge will be available for the public to view at the Wakamow Valley Office, 276 Home St. E.

Moran adds: “Once this bridge has been built, we will be building one more upstream, to the west, which will be the final piece connecting the TCT through the valley. This will help to complete the whole TCT by 2017, Canada’s 150 birthday.”

Upon completion of the second bridge, Moose Jaw residents and tourists alike will be able to walk all the way from Connor Park to Plaxton’s Lake.

For further information, please contact Margaret Moran – 306-692-2717 or email wakamow @sasktel.net.