New Amisk Wâciw Âsokan (Beaver Hills Bridge) is open

Press Release

September 12, 2025

Amisk Wâciw Âsokan (Beaver Hills Bridge) is now open — a new pedestrian footbridge across the North Saskatchewan River connecting Edmonton and Strathcona County.

The $38.6 million project was funded through a partnership between the City of Edmonton, Strathcona County and the River Valley Alliance, with contributions from the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta.

“Investments in Alberta infrastructure like the Amisk Wâciw Âsokan strengthen connections between people and communities right here in Edmonton,” said the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. “Our government is proud to
support projects that create healthy, sustainable, and thriving municipalities.”

“On behalf of Alberta’s government, I am pleased to mark the completion of the Amisk Wâciw Âsokan (Beaver Hills Bridge) as a long-term partner of the River Valley Alliance. Our contribution to this work and related projects helps strengthen the connectivity of our communities, making it easier and more accessible for Albertans to experience nature in their own backyard and support our local economies,” said Todd Loewen, Minister, Alberta Forestry and Parks.

The bridge name, Amisk Wâciw Âsokan (ahmsk-wahCEE Ah-sho-kuhn), was gifted by Elder Dr. Jerry Saddleback and honours the Indigenous language, culture and heritage of the region’s original inhabitants. It reflects the historical, cultural and ecological significance of the Beaver Hills area.

“We are grateful to Elder Dr. Jerry Saddleback and his family for gifting the name, Amisk Wâciw Âsokan (Beaver Hills Bridge). This name, rooted in the Cree language, honours the history and heritage of our river valley and invites all who cross to feel a deeper connection to the land,” said City of Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi.

Completion of this bridge project demonstrates the shared commitment to a continuous and connected park system throughout the North Saskatchewan River Valley. This shared goal is stated in the City of Edmonton’s Ribbon of Green Strategy, Strathcona County’s Trails Strategy and the River Valley Alliance’s long-term vision.

Strathcona County is also building supportive amenities along Township Road 540, partially funded by the Government of Canada. These amenities include a parking lot, multi-use trail connection and gathering area.

“We are thrilled to open the new pedestrian bridge across the North Saskatchewan River, connecting Strathcona County and Sherwood Park with communities from Fort Saskatchewan to Devon. It also connects to the Trans Canada Trail, offering excellent outdoor recreational opportunities for our citizens,” said Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank. “From the trails of the past to the partnerships of today, we are building connections that enrich life for every resident.”

The new bridge connects people and land while strengthening opportunities for active transportation, recreation and community connection. It enhances connectivity between municipalities and expands access to the North Saskatchewan River Valley trail system.

“The opening of the Amisk Wâciw Âsokan (Beaver Hills Bridge) marks a major milestone in connecting the Edmonton Metro Region with one seamless, accessible trail. We are grateful to our municipal, provincial and federal partners whose support made this possible. More than infrastructure, the bridge stands as a symbol of shared priorities and a key connector along the Amisk Wacîw Mêskanaw (Beaver Hill Road) trail — now 75 per cent complete,” said Nancy Thornton, River Valley Alliance. “The names, gifted by Elder Dr. Jerry Saddleback, honour the land’s history while linking people of all ages and abilities to the North Saskatchewan River Valley. This is more than a path; it’s a regional destination that inspires active living, civic pride and economic opportunity. It opens new tourism potential, supports local businesses, and invites residents and visitors to explore and connect. With this milestone, we are one step closer to completing a 100-kilometre legacy for generations to walk, ride and celebrate.”

The footbridge creates a new connection between 167 Avenue in Edmonton and Township Road 540 in Strathcona County, extending trail access on both sides of the river. Designed with accessibility in mind, the bridge includes a 230-meter span, shared pathways for people of all ages and abilities, two lookout points, gathering spaces at both ends and naturalized landscaping that complements the surrounding environment.

Construction began in 2023 and was completed on schedule and within budget in August 2025.

For more information:
edmonton.ca/EdmontonStrathconaFootbridge

Media contact:
Nicole Boychuk
Communications Advisor
Integrated Infrastructure Services
City of Edmonton
780-722-4553

Strathcona County Communications
780-410-6595

Makennah Walker
Communications Specialist
River Valley Alliance
587-401-3355

ILR5