A local group has pitched a plan to convert the former Taghum highway bridge into a footbridge across the Kootenay River.
The newly formed Taghum Footbridge Society wants to build a 189-metre, multi-use pedestrian bridge on the four remaining concrete piers that supported the old highway bridge before it was removed in 1978.
Chair Chris Charlwood said the proposed structure would create a safe, accessible crossing linking Taghum, Blewett and nearby rural communities, while supporting tourism, emergency access and active transportation.
“The idea is basically I wanted to create a dedicated society to rebuild the old Taghum Bridge into a pedestrian bridge, or a footbridge as it used to be called,” he said.
“And it would also enable walkers as well as bikers to get across the river and connect both Taghum and Blewett.”
Vision
According to the society’s website, the project envisions a 184-metre steel-truss bridge with railings.
It would have three main spans of 53 metres each, along with two approach spans of 15 metres each, built atop the four remaining concrete piers.
The group believes reusing the old piers could reduce total construction costs by as much as 50 per cent.
Charlwood said a 2021 engineering assessment reinforced the feasibility of building a footbridge on the existing structures.
“Basically it said, yes, we can build on the piers for a pedestrian bridge. It’s about a tenth the weight of a highway bridge so the loads are far less risky in terms of a pedestrian bridge. There’s just some minor upgrades we’d have to do.”
Those upgrades include another inspection, possible dives around certain piers and potentially installing riprap to limit erosion.
Despite being nearly a century old, Charlwood said the piers remain strong and sound.
“They’re 60 feet tall and they go 20 feet into the mud and they were built incredibly strong and with lots of material. It’s estimated easily that we’ll get 40- 60, even up to 100 years out of them, especially if it’s only a pedestrian bridge.”
The concept also includes smart LED lighting, wildlife viewing areas and a potential connection to Taghum Hall’s proposed mobility hub with EV charging, parking and transit access.
Project cost and funding
Charlwood said the society has engaged the province on the idea and feels encouraged by the potential regional benefits.
“The Ministry of Jobs has told us that there’s basically a six times multiplier when we invest, if somebody invests like our project in infrastructure in the region,” he said.
“So that could mean paying contractors, tourism, a lot of spin-off benefits of better health, so less health care costs for active people, walking and biking.”
The group has submitted a funding application to the Rural Economic Development Infrastructure Program. It also plans to apply for grants through the Columbia Basin Trust, federal active transportation programs and other funding streams.
Charlwood said the total project cost is estimated at $3 million to $5 million, depending on timing and engineering requirements.
The society expects most of that to come from government grants.
“We’re able to get about probably 80 percent of it covered with grants. However, the project will still require support from local government.“
The society presented to the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s parks and recreation commission in September.
Charlwood said directors for Electoral Areas E and F were supportive.
Community support and engagement
Charlwood said an online survey conducted earlier this year gathered about 130 to 140 responses, most of which supported the project.
“Several months ago I started off with a survey in the Blewett area, which has a population of about 2,500, and Taghum is around 400 or 500. Over two-thirds of the feedback was very positive support,” he said.
“I think the other third was hoping for a boat launch locally, which is another project that it’s unrelated to the footbridge, but it’s something that they’ve been asking for a while.”
Promoting tourism and conservation
Charlwood highlighted the natural appeal of the site and the tourism opportunities a footbridge could support.
“We’ve got a unique area here. We’ve got a lot of rare bird species and regularly there’s people with high-powered cameras taking video of the birds landing and taking off.”
He added that the area offers fishing, canoeing, paddle boarding and wildlife viewing opportunities that could be enhanced by the project.
Projected use
Based on population data for Taghum, Blewett and surrounding RDCK areas, the society forecasts between 125 and 280 daily crossings, with higher use in summer and weekends.
Walking and jogging are expected to account for about 65 per cent of trips, followed by cycling at 25 per cent, dog walking at eight per cent and wildlife viewing at two per cent.
The society anticipates a three to five per cent annual increase in usage over time.
Upkeep
If the project proceeds, the society expects to handle initial upkeep but hopes to eventually transfer responsibility to the province.
“Ultimatley we would like to pass it off to the Ministry of Transit and Transportation, for example. But in the short term, we’ll have to just see how things progress, but we are trying to make it maintenance-free.”
Community support
Charlwood said community buy-in is required to qualify for larger grants.
“As a requirement for getting these large grants, we do need to demonstrate local support, and that means donations.
We are asking for some community support, not big dollars, but even $100 donation or $50 is much appreciated just to demonstrate that the community is behind this.”
The group hopes construction can begin in 2026 and wrap up in 2027 if funding is secured.
For more details or to donate, visit the society’s website.
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