Tuesday, April 21, 2026
The City of Colwood, B.C. officially opened the new Galloping Goose Bridge over Sooke Road, part of a 55-kilometre regional trail that follows an old railway line from Victoria to Sooke.
The new pedestrian and cycling bridge was made possible thanks to a grant from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The federal government provided more than $1.9 million, and the provincial government contributed more than $1.6 million toward the $6.3 million project.
“Colwood’s new bridge ticks so many boxes for people in our community: improving health and well-being, easing traffic congestion, attracting customers to nearby businesses, creating cultural connections, and reducing our climate impact,” said Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi. “More than that, this project is proof that strong collaboration between local, regional, provincial, federal, and Indigenous partners is the way to advance much needed infrastructure improvements as our communities grow,” said Doug Kobayashi, Mayor of Colwood.
First to cross the bridge at the opening event were a group of seniors from West Shore Village, an independent living residence adjacent to the trail. Walking the trail is a favourite daily activity for them and they were keen to be involved in the opening event and look forward to being daily users of the bridge.
“Congratulations to the City of Colwood on this incredible milestone. The Galloping Goose is a beautiful multi-use trail, stretching 55 kilometers from Victoria to Sooke and is sure to be enjoyed for many more years by the community and visitors alike,” said MP Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors).
Surespan and Stantec were contracted by the city to construct the bridge, with McElhanney providing geomatics, engineering, environmental, planning, and landscape architecture support.
The bridge is 38 metres long and four metres wide to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians traveling in each direction. Paved approaches to the bridge are designed with a comfortable five per cent grade making it welcoming and accessible for all users.
The City also has a project underway to construct a new Multi-Use Pathway along the length of the Colwood waterfront from the Lagoon Bridge to the growing Beachlands neighbourhood, connecting regional trail users to seaside areas in new ways.
“This new bridge gives people of all ages a safer, more enjoyable way to walk and bike through Colwood, connecting daily routines with the beauty of Galloping Goose Trail,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “It strengthens our community by encouraging healthy living, supporting local businesses, and creating a welcoming gateway that reflects the cultural significance of the land we share. This project shows what we can achieve when all levels of government work together,” said Christine Boyle, MLA, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
Featured image: (City of Colwood)
