The Gaglardi Park boat launch received slabs of base concrete over the last few weeks, and now requires only a cement top dressing and landscaping touches before it is ready for use.
The park, which is located just east of the Village of McBride, was the scene of a concentrated effort by volunteers last week. The volunteers brought their combined resources and equipment as well as personal commitment to bear in order to see this project move ahead.
With this investment in the community, the Fraser River now has a fully operational boat launch which can be used by residents and visitors alike, and at the same time provides a safe and quick access point should any rescue activities be needed.
There is no official opening date for the boat launch yet.
The construction crew when this writer visited the site last week included: Glenn Hooker, Larry McMaster, Jonathan Mazereeuw, Jim Bartlett and Marty Hickerty, all of whom are members of the Fraser River Boating Association (the sponsoring organization for the community project). In addition friends of the committee have worked alongside them to make this possible. These include Chris Fry, Del Fry, Rex Hatchard, Bob Learie, Darvin Goodkey, Gerry Moore, Sarah and Randy Harstad, staff from LDM, Regional District and the Village of McBride.
This project has benefitted from financial and technical support from a number of local and regional groups including McBride Community Forest, McBride Community Foundation, Regional District, a provincial grant arranged by MLA Shirley Bond, Highland Timberworks Inc. (provided technical help steering the project through the many permits and legalities along the way) and Village of McBride staff.
(Photo: Marty Hickerty, Jim Bartlett, and Larry McMaster check out the “concrete” progress)
By: Chris Parker
