On June 13, 2026, community members, volunteers, donors, and supporters gathered at Salmon Arm Bay to celebrate the grand reopening of the Eric Christmas Memorial Boardwalk—a milestone that reflects the power of community collaboration and a shared commitment to protecting one of the Shuswap’s most treasured natural spaces.

The boardwalk, located within the Salmon Arm Bay Nature Enhancement Area, has welcomed visitors for decades, providing a unique opportunity to experience the wetlands while learning about the area’s remarkable wildlife and sensitive ecosystems. Named in honour of Eric Christmas, whose dedication to conservation left a lasting legacy, the boardwalk continues to inspire appreciation for the natural environment.

Following extensive fundraising efforts and months of reconstruction, the renewed boardwalk now offers a safer, more accessible experience for the thousands of residents, students, birdwatchers, photographers, and visitors who enjoy the site each year. The project was made possible through the generosity of individuals, businesses, organizations, grant funders, and countless volunteers who recognized the importance of preserving this community landmark.

The reopening celebration was filled with gratitude and optimism. Guests reflected on the many people who contributed their time, expertise, and financial support to bring the project to completion. The event served as a reminder that when a community works together, it can preserve the places that enrich lives today while protecting them for future generations.

The Salmon Arm Bay Nature Enhancement Society (SABNES) expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the rebuilding effort. From major donors and funding partners to volunteers who dedicated countless hours, every contribution played an important role in restoring this cherished boardwalk.

The Shuswap Community Foundation was proud to support the campaign through the Eric Christmas Memorial Boardwalk Fund, helping connect donors with an opportunity to invest in a lasting community asset. Gifts to the fund helped ensure that the boardwalk could once again welcome visitors while continuing Eric Christmas’s vision of environmental stewardship and education.

As visitors once again stroll above the wetlands, pause to watch migratory birds, or introduce children to the wonders of nature, the renewed boardwalk stands as more than just a pathway. It is a symbol of what can be accomplished through generosity, partnership, and a shared love for the Shuswap.

The grand reopening marked not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a new chapter—one where the Eric Christmas Memorial Boardwalk will continue connecting people with nature and inspiring conservation for generations to come.