Project Title:

Elk Falls Suspension Bridge

Project Organization:

Rotary Club of Campbell River

Project Investment:

  • Island Coastal Economic Trust: $325,000
  • BC Hydro: $150,000
  • West Coast Community Adjustment Program: $86,650
  • BC Hydro In Kind Contribution - Parking Lot and Connecting Trail: $2,000,000
  • Rotary Club of Campbell River: $129,314
  • BC Parks: $49,036
  • Total Budget: $2,740,000

Project Highlight:

The 60 metre long Elk Falls Suspension Bridge is one of the highest pedestrian suspension bridges in Canada, hanging more than 60 metres above the canyon floor.

Completed in 2015, the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge in Campbell River spans 60 metres and, along with a cantilevered viewing platform, provides spectacular views of Elk Falls that were never before possible.

The bridge was the vision of the Rotary Club of Campbell River and was developed in partnership with BC Parks and BC Hydro. With funding from community, government, business and ICET, it is a demonstration of the important role non-profits can play in rallying support for economic development.The Bridge provides opportunities for new target markets, including bus tours, mobility challenged visitors, more adventurous thrill seekers, as well as other new hospitality and business opportunities to service and grow these new markets.

Since opening on in May 2015, the 83-stall parking lot is full on most weekends. In the first few weeks of early season operation, it is estimated that more than an average of 2000 daily visitors have been enjoying the new amenity. In the summer months, those numbers increase, and project proponents have seen their projections around economic impact come to fruition.

The Elk Falls Suspension Bridge project is a successful pilot for infrastructure development that can be replicated around British Columbia, bringing together non-profit groups, government, business and other stakeholders to help realize a community vision.

Island Coastal Economic Trust funded this project on 2015 through the Capital and Innovation program.