The challenges in completing a major construction project in a bird sanctuary are unique: the two year project was staged around the arrival, nesting, and departure of bank swallows and other migratory birds, as well as hawks, osprey, and others. This meant pausing all operations for spring/summer and continuing on after the nesting season.

Wilco created two whole new islands on the Bow – carving new river channels and using the reclaimed river gravels to create the naturalised islands. Bioengineering and revegetation with 20,000 live willow stakes and other trees and shrubs was a key aspect of the work, with a temporary irrigation system for establishment.

The centrepiece of the work is the new ‘crossing structure’ – a cast in place bridge structure spanning the new river channel, with custom cedar log and timber craftsmanship by PCL Construction making this location a secret little destination in Calgary. This timberwork was a great usage of public art funding – artistic, creative, and at the same time functional.