BC Parks has announced the temporary closure of the Helmcken Falls viewing platform in Wells Gray Park while it undergoes some upgrades.
The closure will happen in May and June said Tourism Wells Gray executive director Claire Hanna.
Hanna said the $2 million project will see a brand new viewing platform, as well as “improving accessibility to the entire area there.”
There have been concerns voiced by residents, local stakeholders and businesses about the timing of the closure being the first part of the summer, she added.
“While I understand people are worried about the impact on their businesses we hope they will appreciate the fact that we will be getting $2 million dollar makeover which is amazing. Especially to receive such a large amount of funds dedicated to the upgrading of the park.”
Describing Helmcken Falls as the “star child of Wells Gray Provincial Park,” Hanna noted professional assessments indicate the Helmcken Falls viewing platform has reached the end of its expected service life and requires a replacement to ensure continued public safety.
The new viewing platform has been designed to be fully accessible, and additional accessibility improvements will be completed on the trails and supporting facilities allowing for a more inclusive opportunity for visitors and locals alike.
She said the upgrades have been designed with materials that are both fire smart and low maintenance which will significantly extend the expected lifespan.
According to BC Parks, construction activities must be completed in snow-free conditions and the timing of construction has been expedited to occur prior to the peak season of July and August in an effort to reduce impacts and avoid prolonged closures.
“While we’ve had a very mild winter, they will be starting the project as soon as they are able to. They will still have to factor in the weather as they will be at the mercy of Mother Nature which will determine the start date of this project. It’s going to be such an asset to the park,” Hanna said.
Hanna added the old viewing platform has been looking very worn out.
“This much needed upgrade is very much welcomed by Tourism Wells Gray and I am sure that once the project is complete, locals, tourism visitors, travellers and business owners alike will be extremely happy.”
BC Parks has slated improvements to Spahats Falls viewing platform for next year, although Hanna said she did not have any further information from Parks on the timing of that project as yet.
“They won’t be doing any upgrades as yet to Dawson Falls as there isn’t the same infrastructure that is in place in Spahats and Helmcken that both require structurally engineered platforms that hang over a cliff face. It’s not quite the same at Dawson.”
Travellers and visitors will be able to access everything else leading into the park other than the road closure involving the Helmcken area during the time of construction.
“We do have 41 other named waterfalls in the park so while one main waterfall out of commission for that short period on the viewing platform side they will still be able to access Helmcken along the south rim trail. However, the accessibility is not the same granted, because it’s a four kilometre in-trail, eight kilometer round trip.”
Wells Gray Park Visitor Information Centre will be opening on April 29 and will be able to provide information to guests about alternate trails during the construction of the viewing platform.
At the time of this article Black Press has not heard back from BC Parks and we will update readers when we receive a statement from them about this project.
