Project Timeline

2025-01Tourism Abbotsford and University of the Fraser Valley Focus on ETF Planning

Tourism Abbotsford partnered with the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) on an ETF project honouring Abbotsford’s most precious resource—the Fraser River. UFV students conducted projects in urban design and Indigenous storytelling, and gathered community perspectives on the river. Project ideas were presented to the City of Abbotsford for future consideration as the ETF route is developed within the city. Learn more

2025-01Pattullo Bridge Replacement to Open in 2025

The Pattullo Bridge is a key connection between the communities of Surrey and New Westminster along the ETF route. In 2025, the Pattullo will be replaced with a new four-lane, toll-free bridge that provides important improvements for all users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, as well as the surrounding communities.
In the draft terms of reference for rebuilding the Pattullo Bridge, Metro Vancouver ensured a reference to the ETF route and the need to maintain strong connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Learn more 

2023-01City of Mission Secures $50,000 in Federal Active Transportation Funding for ETF Planning

The City of Mission received $50,000 in federal active transportation funding to plan and design a key portion of the ETF trail. Funding will guide the construction of a trail segment from Duncan/Gill Avenue to Dyke Road, near the Fraser River and future residential growth areas. This project will bring Mission and other partners one step closer to completing the full ETF trail network. Learn more

2023-01Maple Ridge Purchases Land on the Fraser River Waterfront

In 2023, the City of Maple Ridge acquired 4.28 acres of land on the Fraser River waterfront. The City plans to construct a multi-use pathway that will connect two popular locations within the community - the Port Haney Wharf and Kanaka Creek Regional Park. The new path will be integrated into the ETF route. Learn more

2023-01Coquitlam Plans Riverfront Development

The new Fraser Mills development, located along the banks of the Fraser River in South Coquitlam, will be the city’s first and only waterfront community. When complete, this 96-acre neighbourhood will be home to a collection of residences, restaurants, shops, extensive green space, plazas, and a riverfront access for the ETF route. Learn more

2022-01Entire ETF Route Mapped and Inventoried

In 2022, the ETF route was comprehensively mapped and photographed—an effort that produced detailed summaries for each community. These summaries outline any existing wayfinding, propose new wayfinding locations, and outline potential projects to improve the quality and user experience of the route. Meetings with municipal partners are ongoing. Learn more

2022-01Fraser River Discovery Centre Society Expands Cultural Offerings with $150,000 in Tourism Relief Funding

The Fraser River Discovery Centre Society received $150,000 in Tourism Relief Funding to expand its offerings. These new initiatives include Indigenous events and exhibits that tell the story of the Fraser River from Indigenous perspectives. As part of this approach, the Society will develop a Place of Learning that focuses on Indigenous heritage and teachings of the Fraser River. The project will be developed in coordination with the Musqueam Indian Band and, through them, other Fraser River First Nations. Learn more

2022-01Mission Completes Waterfront Revitalization Master Plan

In 2022, the City of Mission completed the Mission Waterfront Revitalization Master Plan, which outlines plans for a riverfront trail that will be part of the ETF route. Learn more

2021-01$350,000 in Provincial Funding Expands ETF Infrastructure

The ETF received $350,000 through Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI) funding to support additional infrastructure projects. The funding helped to complete Chilliwack’s 36-kilometre section of the ETF route, including trail upgrades, wayfinding, and cultural kiosks with local Indigenous cultural interpretation. Learn more

2021-01Maple Ridge Receives $50,000 in Federal Active Transportation Funding for ETF Multi-Use Pathway Planning

The City of Maple Ridge secured $50,000 in federal active transportation funding to complete the assessment and design of a multi-use pathway on the ETF route. The pathway will connect Maple Ridge’s historic Port Haney Wharf to Metro Vancouver’s Kanaka Creek Regional Park, along the north side of the Fraser River. Learn more here and here

2019-01ETF Implementation Prioritized in Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver Destination Development Strategies

In 2019, Destination BC completed the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver Destination Development Strategies. The ETF was prioritized as a strategy for implementation in both documents. Learn more 

2015-01New Port Mann Bridge Multi-Use Path Opens

The Port Mann/Highway 1 improvement project reached a major milestone on July 1, 2015 with the opening of a protected path for walking and cycling. The three-metre-wide, multi-use path connects Surrey and Coquitlam, serving as a vital link for cyclists and pedestrians along the ETF route.

2015-01 to 2015-12$685,000 in Provincial Funding Expands the ETF Network

The Provincial Job Creation Partnership Program supported the Experience the Fraser projects between 2015 and 2019 totalling $1.5M.

In 2015, $320,000 and $335,000 grants were received for Experience the Fraser projects, including Regional Park amenities. For example, in Chilliwack, an eight-kilometres stretch of the dyke between Jesperson Road. Additionally, three gates were installed to provide walkers, cyclists and horseback riders with access to the ETF trail.

Job Creation Partnership Program participants were selected with the help of WorkBC Employment Services Centres.

Learn more here and here

2015-01 to 2019-01$868,000 in Provincial Funding Expands the ETF Network

The Provincial Job Creation Partnership Program supported the Experience the Fraser projects between 2015 and 2019 totalling $1.5M.

In 2018, a $482,942 grant was leveraged with partners from the Island 22 Equestrian Park Society, and the Freshwater Fishers Society of BC for capital improvements in regional parks. 

In 2019, and additional $385,215 grant was received for projects including Experience the Fraser wayfinding signs in the Matsqui Trail Regional Park (Abbotsford), trail enhancements at Sumas Mountain Regional Park (Abbotsford), park lot improvements at Neilson Regional Park (Mission), boat launch staging area improvements at Island 22 Regional Park (Chilliwack) and a universally accessible viewing platform at the Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park (Electoral Area D). 

Job Creation Partnership Program participants were selected with the help of WorkBC Employment Services Centres. Learn more here and here

2012-01Province of BC Signs MOU with Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley Regional District

In 2012, the Province of BC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Greater Vancouver Regional District (Metro Vancouver) and the Fraser Valley Regional District.

The MOU outlined the project goals of advancing the development of a world-class recreation, heritage and cultural assets along the Lower Fraser River, which will be showcased as a visitor destination. 

FVRD and MV jointly developed a Concept Plan and Implementation Plan that identify trails and blueway routes, implementation strategies, and actions to achieve the ultimate goal of creating a world-class destination. Learn more

2012-01$1 Million in Provincial Funding Supports Parks and Trails along ETF Route

In 2012, the Province allocated $1 million to support parks, trails, and experiences that enhance the ETF initiative. One example of a project made possible by this funding is an ETF exhibit at the Fraser River Discovery Centre in New Westminster, as well as an interpretive panel on the pier. Learn more

2012-01Surrey Bend Regional Park Opens

In 2012, the City of Surrey began the process of developing a 12-acre ecological park along the Fraser River to support the ETF project. Located on forested land in Parsons Channel, Surrey Bend Regional Park features two fish-bearing creeks and viewpoints overlooking the river. It officially opened in 2016. Learn more