Village of Harrison Hot Springs celebrates newly-completed infrastructure project

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HARRISON HOT SPRINGS – The Village of Harrison Hot Springs is marking the completion of a public works project that sought to convert an older part of the village core into a more vibrant piece of infrastructure for locals and visitors to enjoy.

According to a statement posted online, the village held a ribbon cutting this past week to herald the completion of the Lillooet Avenue West Streetscape Enhancements project, transforming an aging section of the village core into a more welcoming, accessible and vibrant space for residents and visitors.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony not only signalled the official unveiling of the completed streetscape, but also provided an opportunity to recognize the contributions of the outgoing 2022–2026 council as the village prepares to welcome its newly elected council today, Monday, November 2.

The village says the upgraded infrastructure project replaced aging sidewalk and roadway facilities with improvements designed to support accessibility, pedestrian safety and a more enjoyable experience in the Village core.

The completed streetscape includes:

• Improved sidewalks and pedestrian crossings;
• Updated roadway infrastructure;
• New landscaping and climate-resilient plantings;
• Bench seating and gathering areas;
• A ground mural introducing public art to the space; and
• A community bulletin board for sharing local events and engagement opportunities.

“This project is about more than replacing sidewalks and improving infrastructure,” said Mayor Fred Talen, who was re-elected in last month’s municipal election on October 17. “It is about creating a place where people want to slow down, sit for a while, explore our community and enjoy the character of Harrison Hot Springs. Lillooet Avenue West is an important part of our Village core, and this new streetscape is a wonderful addition to the community.”

From plan to reality

Planning commenced in 2024, after the village received arborist assessments that pinpointed significant health and safety concerns with four mature oak trees along Lillooet Avenue West. The village says council directed staff to develop a streetscape plan, with preliminary design work followed by detailed design in 2025.

Construction began in 2026 with an underlying goal of completing the road work ahead of the summer tourism season. Wood from the oak trees was repurposed and converted into the three oak benches lining the new streetscape.

The project forms part of the village’s ongoing streetscape enhancements, building on past investments such as the Esplanade Avenue Improvement project.

Both projects were supported through the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI), which helps resort communities invest in tourism-related infrastructure and amenities. The project was awarded to Element Excavating Ltd., with an approved budget of $850,000 funded through the Resort Municipality Initiative, BC Hydro ReGreening Grant, Local Government Climate Action Program, ICBC Road Safety Improvement Program and Community Works Fund.