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Bolhuis bequest building bridges in Ladner Harbour

Delta council has given the go-ahead to award a contract to build a pair of pedestrian bridges at Ladner Harbour, a project in decade in the making.
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The $254,000 project involves adding two bridges at Ladner Harbour Lagoon

Delta council has given the go-ahead to award a contract to build a pair of pedestrian bridges at Ladner Harbour, a project in decade in the making.

The $254,000 project involves the design and construction of the two bridges as well as associated trail improvements at Ladner Harbour Lagoon from McNeely’s Way to Ladner Harbour Park.

A previous bridge was removed by the provincial government a decade ago, so the new project also involves decommissioning and removal of the remaining bridge.

The cost of the project had been a major detriment to Delta but it’s now possible thanks to the city receiving a bequest of more than $600,000 from the estate of Shirley Ann Bolhuis to undertake the work.

The trail and metal bridges are to be wheelchair accessible and a plaque will be erected to recognize her gift to the people of Ladner. Bolhuis passed away in 2004.

In addition to the lagoon works, which had an estimated $400,000 cost, another project will see a wheelchair accessible plaza created in Lions Park at the edge of Chilukthan Slough. That had an estimated cost of $80,000.

The Lions Park plaza is to be dedicated to the memory of Shirley's late brother, “Big John” Bolhuis who passed away in 2017. A plaque is also be erected to recognize John, a beloved fixture in the Ladner community.

Both Shirley, who was John’s caretaker for many years, and John enjoyed walking the trail at Ladner Harbour.

Parks and recreation director Ken Kuntz said the land is owned by the province and an environmental certificate is still needed.

“It certainly creates a loop around Ladner Harbour Park for many, many people to enjoy and will fulfill the family’s wishes,” he added.

A report to council notes the city has an existing licence agreement for use of the lagoon for the trail and bridges, a document that expires in 2024.

Delta has engaged the province regarding a 10-year extension of the agreement to secure the community's access through 2034.