February 20, 2026 Update
An update is coming next week on the Cliff Gilker Park Remediation project.
A report outlining next steps in this project will be presented to the SCRD’s Committee of the Whole on Thursday, February 26.
February 17, 2026 Update
Over the weekend, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) became aware of social media posts showing that one of the bridges in Cliff Gilker Park, previously closed for safety reasons, had been reopened to the public. The SCRD did not authorize or carry out this work.
Our staff have since re-closed the bridge. We understand that the community is eager to see the park’s bridges reopened and we truly appreciate how much the community cares about this space. The closures, however, are in place to keep everyone using the park safe. Unauthorized repairs create significant liability risks for both the SCRD and for individuals who undertake such work.
With a budget now in place, and staff capacity available, the Cliff Gilker Park remediation project is a priority for 2026. SCRD staff are working with community partners on innovative ways to move this project forward. Further information on the project, including timelines to complete the work is anticipated to be available following next week’s SCRD Board meeting.
For now, we appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation. We respectfully ask that residents do not attempt to repair or reopen bridges on their own, as doing so poses serious safety and liability concerns for everyone involved.
Further information on the project can be found at letstalk.scrd.ca/cliff-gilker.
June 2025 - Find updates and information on current bridge closures and replacement plans at Cliff Gilker Park on the right panel of this page.
Many of us on the Sunshine Coast will remember the major flooding event that took place at the end of 2021. One of the hardest hit areas within the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) was Cliff Gilker Park, with two popular pedestrian bridges severely damaged along with several sections of trail completely flooded.
The bridges have been out of action since then, and sections of the trails in the park are showing signs of wear and tear and have continued to slowly erode with each heavy rain. The other two existing bridges are also in rough shape and need to be replaced.
Earlier this year, the SCRD received a report outlining several options for the recovery of the park. In a staff report provided to the SCRD Board on May 23, 2024,, staff have recommended the decommissioning and removal of the lower waterfall and zig zag bridges. The upper waterfall and gorge bridges are being proposed for replacement along with over a half million dollars of trail repairs and accessibility improvements.
This space has been developed to seek feedback on the park recovery options. This feedback will be incorporated into the final recommendations for the Project and brought back to the Board for consideration as part of the 2025-2029 Financial Planning process.
On the right you will find:
- Results of the community survey
- Map with proposed recovery projects
- Background to the project
- Project Milestones
What's being considered as part of this project?
The following is part of the Cliff Gilker Park Remediation Project.
- Decommission and replacement of the Upper Waterfall Bridge and central Gorge Bridge
- Decommission of the Lower Waterfall Bridge and Zig Zag Bridge. These bridges will not be replaced.
- Trail resiliency improvements, enhancement and expansion of accessible trails and replacements of other park infrastructure
- Improvements to park signage.
Note: The Cliff Gilker sports field, washroom building, playground, picnic area, parking lot, and entrance road will not be included in this project.
Background
