The Ministry of Environment and Parks announced the first phase of infrastructure repairs is complete in Tsútswecw Provincial Park, marking what it called a significant step in restoring areas heavily damaged by the Bush Creek East wildfire.
In a statement, ministry officials said the main plaza area has been restored, allowing access to the Viewing Platform Trail, Island Loop Trail and Plaque Channel Trail.
The area is also used for the annual Salute to the Sockeye festival, which is scheduled to be held at the park in October.
In August 2023, the Bush Creek East wildfire burned through most of Tsútswecw Provincial Park, damaging bridges, boardwalks, benches and other infrastructure.
Tsútswecw Provincial Park was established in 1977 to conserve and protect spawning beds used by sockeye, chinook, coho and pink salmon.
The ministry said the first phase of repairs included work on a large pedestrian bridge along the Island Loop Trail and the replacement of two smaller pedestrian bridges. Multiple sections of fencing in the main plaza area and damaged trails were also repaired.
Officials said the second phase will begin later this year and will focus on identifying and removing unstable trees along the Wade Road Trail and Flume Trails.
Some areas of the park will remain closed because of ongoing hazards, including unstable slopes and fire-damaged trees.
Ecological recovery efforts have also continued since the wildfire, focusing on restoring native ecosystems and protecting cultural heritage values.
The ministry said the project’s estimated total cost is $2.1 million and is heavily supported by the Government of Canada’s Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program.
