Canadian Forces members build suspension bridge in Wakamow Valley

Canadian Forces build bridge in Moose Jaw The Canadian Armed Forces are building the last piece of the Trans Canada Trail in Moose Jaw's Wakamow Valley. Cally Stephanow reports.

The final piece of the Trans Canada Trail in Saskatchewan is nearly complete. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are working to create a pedestrian suspension bridge in Moose Jaw’s Wakamow Valley.

"Wakamow means the river of turns,” said Margaret Moran, CEO of the Wakamow Valley Authority. “There are a lot of turns in this river, as in most prairie rivers. So to cross over, there's a lot of cross places to make it more pedestrian friendly."

Cpl. Cisneros joined the armed forces in 2014. Before moving to his current home on the base in Saskatoon, he worked as a mason in Vancouver.

"At the end of the day, I can step back and kind of see the work I've done,” he said. “I really appreciate the hours I put in."

On Saturday, Cpl. Cisneros combined his trade and his career to help build the new bridge.

The towers of the bridge are 32 feet high, supporting the eight cables to hold a timber deck.

Soldiers often gain experience through working on infrastructure projects.

“It puts a positive perspective on the Armed Forces and our capabilities,” said Cpt. Bonderoff, who was overseeing the bridge project. “I think we gain a lot from it.”

For Cpl. Cisneros, the bridge gives him the chance to leave his mark on Moose Jaw.

“(It’s) something I can show and appreciate with my friends and family,” he said.

The Armed Forces hope to complete the project next week, with a grand opening scheduled for October 1.