CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C- The Big Rock boat ramp will be closed from mid-June to October this year, following the city’s approval of a contract for it’s upgrades.
The City of Campbell River Council approved a contract with Upland Contracting Ltd last Monday, and work is set to begin this month.
The work includes all of the in-water improvements for the ramp, such as updates to the breakwaters and installation of a floating ramp system.
Deputy city manager Ron Neufeld said he understands summer is a hard time to close the ramp.
“It’s the only time DFO allows us to work in the water as needed for this project,” said Neufeld.
“Thank you to everyone for their patience while we make this a better facility for the many years to come.”
The City is awaiting final approvals required by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and will proceed as soon as possible once these are received.
“The Big Rock boat ramp has needed attention and improvement for a long time, and Council is extremely pleased to see action on rebuilding this popular amenity,” said Mayor Andy Adams.
“Community members provided important input on how to make this facility better and more usable for both locals and visitors, and we all look forward to these improvements.”
This first phase of work will include raising the breakwaters and re-orienting the marine entrance, adding piles to attach the floating ramp system, dredging the basin and refinishing the ramp.
The upgrades at Big Rock Boat Ramp are set to cost $2.1 million, and $1.37 million of that is for the contract approved May 28.
The project is funded by the Community Works Fund Reserve (Federal Gas Tax funding) rather than local property taxation.
This project is part of the larger Waterfront Project 2018-2020, which includes three key upgrades to the city’s southern waterfront entrance to downtown.
For more info on the project and alternative boat launch options, please visit www.campbellriver.ca/bigrockboatramp.
