The Valleyview boat launch is reopening “with caution” after it was closed following the fire that destroyed the historic Red Bridge last week.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, Sept. 19.
In response, the city closed the boat launch due to smouldering debris in the river after the bridge collapsed.
However, the city says the boat launch is only open so people can remove their boats from the river as water levels begin to drop.(1).jpg)
“Residents are not invited onto the river for recreational purposes and are asked to stay away from the Red Bridge site,” the city said in a news release Friday morning.
“Residents are asked to abide by all posted signage.”
According to the city, Transport Canada and BC’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure have ordered the portion of the South Thompson River between Pioneer Park and Riverside Park to remain closed to all boating activities.
At this time, all other closures remain active. The following boat launches and parks remain closed:
Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park boat launch
McArthur Island boat launch
Waterfront Park
The Rivers Trail between Pioneer Park and Riverside Park
Riverside Park beach
Riverside Park pier
An investigation into the fire is ongoing but the RCMP said investigators believe arson is to blame.
