Bridge work underway at Roos Island, City of Kitchener prepare for grand reopening

It’s been nearly a year since the City of Kitchener blocked access to Roos Island in Victoria Park. Now they say safety upgrades to the Heritage Bridge are the only thing standing in the way of reopening the landmark to the public.

The City of Kitchener said they plan on re-opening the local landmark late this spring, which includes public access to the pathway through the island. The city also added there will be an acoustic concert series this summer to celebrate the island’s reopening.

The City of Kitchener blocked access to the park in April 2023, and signs and gates were installed at the island’s two bridges with the city citing safety and privacy concerns.

“It comes to life in the spring,” said Bruce, a longtime resident of Kitchener, who was sitting on a bench enjoying the temperate weather at Victoria Park today. “It’s nice to come here in the springtime to see a lot of people.”

Just last month, the last resident of a tent encampment on Roos Island moved onto another shelter, marking the first time since the summer of 2022 that the island has been tent-free.

“The city was very patient to accommodate her, and now she’s probably at a good place,” said Vincent, a resident of Kitchener, about the last resident of the encampment on the island. “I love to come to this park. It’s good in winter, in summer, all the time.”