The Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake engaged WSP Canada Inc. to assess the condition of the Rod Reid Trail and provide cost estimates for necessary upgrades. Council received the report during its Nov. 5 meeting.
The trail, which encircles Loch Lomond Pond, has long been a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and recreational users. However, the trail faces accessibility issues, particularly for those with mobility restrictions, and suffers from seasonal flooding.
In July 2024, WSP Canada conducted a thorough site review, meeting with Village staff to address key concerns, including flooding, bridge access, and overall trail conditions. The assessment revealed that significant improvements are needed to enhance the user experience and ensure year-round accessibility.
The report recommends addressing immediate concerns, including replacing the wooden pallets at the south end of the trail with a boardwalk, smoothing out approaches to the bridges, and improving the ramp to the east viewing platform to meet accessibility standards.
A secondary set of recommendations suggests raising sections of the trail prone to flooding and resurfacing with a high-fines aggregate to improve stability and accessibility.
Estimated at $204,075, these upgrades include surfacing and widening the trail, drainage and flooding improvements, structure improvements and trail signage.
The upgrades will improve both the functionality and enjoyment of the trail for all users. While the project will not fully resolve flooding issues, it is expected to significantly improve mobility access, especially for those using wheelchairs or other assistive devices.
The trail spans 2.2 kilometres around Loch Lomond Pond and serves as a connector to Boer Mountain Recreation Site and nearby Crown land. The trail鈥檚 ownership is shared among the Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake, School District 91, and Lake Babine Nation, with the Village assuming primary responsibility for maintenance.
Before proceeding with structural work, the Village will consult environmental professionals to assess potential impacts, especially given the trail鈥檚 location within the riparian zone of Loch Lomond Pond. Necessary permits will be sought to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, including those from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Water Sustainability Act.
Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake Chief Administrative Officer Sheryl Worthing said the recommendations from this assessment report will be included in the 2025 financial plan for completion.
"These plans will be dependant upon funding; staff will seek grant opportunities and partnerships to help fund the project," Worthing said, adding, "The improvements on the trail are based on mitigating seasonal flooding affects to the trail and improving accessibility to the trail and the constructed features such as bridges, lookout platforms."
