Groups Step Forward to Restore Cottonwood Island Park

By 250 News

During the Nechako ice jam/flood, debris  kept collecting at the rail bridge in Cottonwood Island Park.  Eventually the bridge was removed to let the water  run freely  ( photo opinion250  archive)

Prince George, B.C. – There is still no cost estimate on repairing the damage done by the flood and ice jam of the past winter.

City officials say the cost to battle the flood waters will be in the $4 million range, but the repair bill is not yet ready. 

Cottonwood Island Park took a major hit.  The Nechako Rotary Club has stepped forward and expressed an interest in helping restore the park.  The damage estimate is not yet known as there is still too much snow, too much water to get a good look at what will need to be done to restore the trails and bridges.  Ron Newcombe of the Nechako Rotary says the service group has had some positive talks with the City about the repairs “The City is very encouraged by the interest that has been shown by the Rotary Club and the Friends of Cottonwood Island Park, but there won’t be anything done until we know if the cost of the repairs can be covered by the recovery dollars available through the Province.”

Originally, the bridges had been installed through a lot of donated materials and time, Newcombe says even the crane to install the rail bridge at the south east end of the park was donated. That bridge was removed  as the Nechako River boiled through that open channel the  ice jam and flood.

Newcombe says that  spirit has resurfaced “We heard from  Inland Cement  who said if we need gravel or concrete they will  help, and Ruskin bridge says they have extra bridges, so  we are very encouraged that people are once again willing to donate supplies and time.”

“But the bottom line is, we can’t do anything until the City says its o.k.”

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