Island in Kitchener's Victoria Park now won't open until spring

Roos Island in Kitchener's Victoria Park now won't open to the public until next spring.

New signs around the park this week explain restoration work will take place for Heritage Bridge and also the bandstand on the island. The signs say a partial reopening of the island is anticipated in early spring, including public access to the pathway through the island. 

The full reopening of Roos Island is expected in late spring 2024.

Heritage Bridge, which connects the island to the side of the park adjacent to Jubilee Drive, was closed in March for an inspection after staff said wood rot was discovered on the bridge. Work is expected to take place this fall.

The entire island was closed to the public in mid-April because there were six people living in an encampment there. It has remained closed ever since, with security on site. One person remains living on the island as of Tuesday, the city confirmed.

"Staff and outreach workers continue to work with this person to identify their needs and develop a plan," the city said in an emailed statement.

The city said in September it was anticipated the bridge and island would reopen before the end of the year, but that is no longer the case.

As part of the project, the city says the bandstand will get structural, electrical and landscape upgrades. A $100,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Kitchener is being used to complete this work.

As well, the city says there will be garden and turf work done on the island as well as tree trimming.

When the work is completed, "the community will celebrate the reopening of Roos Island with an acoustic concert series" next summer.