The Izzy Bridge is named for Master Corporal M. Isfeld, a Canadian Military Engineer who was killed on 21 June 1994 by a mine while serving with the United Nations Protection Force in Bosnia.  His memory is further perpetuated in 1 Combat Engineer Regiment through the Isfeld Memorial Trophy A minefield clearing project near Bila Vlaka village is also named in his memory as is the “Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School” in Courtenay, BC. This is believed to be the first time that a school has been named after a Canadian peacekeeper. 

The bridge was built in a single day. The final pin was driven by Nelson Mayor Gary Exner, assisted by Second World War veteran Ken Budd, a life member of the Legion’s Nelson Branch. The bridge was built with assistance from 8 Field Engineer Regiment(Edmonton), 6th Field Engineer Squadron (North Vancouver) and 33rd Field Engineer Squadron (Calgary).