The City of Williams Lake is excited to announce the remaining portion of the Williams Lake River Valley Trail will reopen to the Fraser River on Tuesday, August 8.
The third and final phase of the reopening will follow two preceding opening dates for phases one and two which occurred on May 1, 2023 and June 26, 2023, respectively.
The Williams Lake River Valley was closed in April of 2020 after catastrophic flooding destroyed natural areas and habitat, trails, roadways and City infrastructure, requiring extensive remediation and rehabilitation totaling millions of dollars in repairs. The City’s phased reopening allowed for safe public access while ongoing work continued in the river valley sections leading toward the Fraser River.
“I cannot stress enough how happy we are to have one of our community’s premier recreation trails fully reopened to residents and guests,” Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said. “With plenty of summer and, hopefully, beautiful weather ahead we hope to see the community out walking or biking the trail and enjoying the amazing scenery along the way.”
Public using the trail should be aware construction is still ongoing and may be encountered. In addition, the gate near the Comer Street entrance will remain closed and motorized vehicle use, including off-road vehicles, is not permitted in the River Valley. Rock hauling will also be continuing in some areas, and temporary closures or site-specific safety protocols may occur while remaining work continues.
Access from the former Frizzi Road entrance will remain permanently closed due to safety concerns.
“Thanks again to all of the City staff, contractors, community groups and consultants who have done a phenomenal job restoring recreational features and infrastructure on the trail and we’re thrilled to be able to have it back open fully to the public,” Chief Administrative Officer Gary Muraca said.
While the majority of the work along the Williams Lake River Valley Trail has been completed, Muraca added habitat restoration around bridge sites still needs to be completed.
For more information on the Williams Lake River Valley Trail visit the City’s website at
www.williamslake.ca/481/Williams-Lake-River-Valley-Trail.
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Media contact:
Jeff Bernardy, Engineering Technologist
jbernardy@williamslake.ca
Phone: 250.392.1767 / City Hall: 250.392.2311