Opening of the Kinsol Trestle July 28 2011
Posted by Craig Clarke
on Jul 28, 2011
The Kinsol Trestle opening ceremony on Thursday morning drew a large crowd. I met Rotarians from the South Cowichan Club who were operating a food concession. 
Their club raised $20,000 for the project by hosting a lottery for the opportunity to drive the last spike. Mike Coleman, a lawyer and former Duncan mayor was the lucky winner of the lottery. He was assisted by his grandchildren and had the honour of being the first to cross the trestle. The newly restored structure forms part of the Trans Canada trail.
Originally constructed in 1920, the Kinsol Trestle is the largest free-standing wooden trestle in Canada, and possibly in the world, spanning 187 metres (614 feet) long and standing 44 metres (145 feet) above the Koksilah River. The last train crossed the bridge in 1979, and after years of decay and vandalism, it was slated six years ago to be removed and replaced by another structure.
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