Salmon Arm Bay Nature Enhancement Society (SABNES)
Eric Christmas Memorial Boardwalk and Wildlife Viewing Platform
We are pleased to announce that the project is now complete!
Stay tuned for information about the grand opening ceremony anticipated in June 2026.
Years in the making, SABNES embarked on an exciting project to rebuild the Eric Christmas Memorial boardwalk with a larger wildlife viewing platform. The viewing platform includes seating that is ideal for school groups and nature enthusiasts. Nestled in the reeds and away from noise, this space will serve as a peaceful spot for observing wildlife and an outdoor learning area for all ages.
This community project is more than just a structure – it is an opportunity to preserve access to one of the few remaining North American urban wetlands where 282 bird species thrive, including the remarkable Western Grebes and their courtship dance.
After 30 plus years, and countless repairs, the original Eric Christmas Memorial Boardwalk deteriorated to the point of being unsafe. It was removed in September 2024.
Reimagining the Eric Christmas Boardwalk
Several years ago, SABNES began exploring plans to replace the aging Eric Christmas Boardwalk with a new structure that would also feature a large wildlife viewing platform. The vision finally took shape in 2024 beginning with an ambitious fundraising campaign and culminating in the project’s completion in the spring of 2026.
This photo shows the original Eric Christmas boardwalk, built in 1990 and removed in September 2024. The new boardwalk and viewing platform have been constructed in the same location.
Our goal was to build a stronger, safer boardwalk while preserving the charm of the original—with its meandering angles through the willows to the lake. We also envisioned a spacious viewing platform with seating, designed to comfortably host school groups and nature enthusiasts alike. Tucked among the reeds and sheltered from noise, this new space offers a peaceful setting for wildlife observation, scenic views, and outdoor learning for visitors of all ages.
Our Vision
A Community Effort
To bring this vision to life, we set out to raise $350,000—and thanks to the remarkable generosity of our community and project partners, we reached that goal and proudly completed the project in March 2026.