The newly rebuilt Holt Creek pedestrian bridge opened to the public on June 21, restoring access along a key section of the Cowichan Valley Trail for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.
The bridge, located northwest of the Kinsol Trestle near Glenora Trails Head Park, features a steel frame and wooden deck and is designed to support emergency vehicles and maintenance equipment, improving safety and long-term use.
The bridge has been renamed Q'ixluts Bridge (pronounced KH-ee-r-hluhts), using the Hul'qumi'num place name for Holt Creek.
The Q'ixluts Bridge is a link in the Cowichan Valley's active-transportation network and a popular destination for recreation and tourism.
The old bridge opened in 1922 and served as a rail line until 1991 when CN Rail handed the line over to the province to own and maintain.
Structural improvements and upgrades were made to the bridge in 2002 and 2018, but a structural assessment of the bridge conducted in 2017 determined the bridge was nearing the end of its lifespan and recommended it be replaced rather than be continuously repaired and maintained.
The bridge’s new name was chosen in partnership with Cowichan Tribes to recognize the cultural and historical significance of the area and to honour Indigenous language and heritage along the trail.
Replacing the structure supports the province's Active Transportation Strategy, which encourages healthy, low-carbon ways to move around communities.
Cowichan Tribes supported early work on the project, including knowledge sharing, environmental and archeological monitoring, and its economic development arm, Khowutzun Development Corporation, provided needed services including tree clearing and building temporary site access.
