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Cowichan Lake’s floating walkway dead in the water

Town needs grant money to replace aged structure
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Lake Cowichan’s floating walkway has been removed due to rot. (Sarah Simpson/Citizen)

Area resident Bruce MacMillan looked across the lake recently and noticed something was missing from the usual viewscape. The floating walkway near Lake View Campsite had up and vanished.

“It was having age issues and needed repairs. I haven’t seen any mention of it and wondered if it is gone for good or if the municipality has plans to refurbish it and bring it back,” he said. “It will certainly be a big amenity loss if it is gone for good.”

Lake Cowichan mayor Bob Day has confirmed MacMillan’s theory that the old walkway was well past its prime.

“The wood on the walkway had reached the end of its lifespan (mostly rotten),” Day explained. “It was dismantled and the flotation billets were salvaged in hopes the town can find a $2 million grant to replace the structure.”

That means tourists and residents alike won’t be able to take advantage of the view along the walkway this summer.

“This is a good example of why municipalities need to practice asset management,” said the mayor. “When we build any kind of asset, we need to tax appropriately over the lifespan of the asset for its replacement,” he said adding that it is much “easier said than done.”