Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Access Improvements
Consultation has concluded
Benson Creek Falls Regional Park is a popular local and tourism destination in the Nanaimo area. A deep ravine and a challenging crossing of Benson Creek functionally limits connection between the north and south sides of the park and makes it difficult to safely hike to Ammonite Falls (also known as Benson Creek Falls), the main park attraction. The trailhead on Weigles Road provides access to loop trails on the north side of the ravine, and the trailhead on Jameson Road provides trail access to Ammonite Falls from the south.
The RDN is planning improvements to the park that will provide enhanced parking, a safe bridge crossing over Benson Creek, and upgraded trail descents that greatly improve public access to, and mobility within, this regionally significant park.
How you can be involved, find out more or provide feedback?
Get involved by registering. By registering, you will be kept up-to-date with progress on the Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Access Improvement project through our electronic communications.
Browse the background documents library located in the sidebar to gain a better understanding of the project.
Look at ourFAQ'sto have a better understanding of what, when, why and how this project will improve the Regional Park.
Share your comments, questions, and stories below with the project team.
Check the What's New tab for updates as the project moves along!
Benson Creek Falls Regional Park is a popular local and tourism destination in the Nanaimo area. A deep ravine and a challenging crossing of Benson Creek functionally limits connection between the north and south sides of the park and makes it difficult to safely hike to Ammonite Falls (also known as Benson Creek Falls), the main park attraction. The trailhead on Weigles Road provides access to loop trails on the north side of the ravine, and the trailhead on Jameson Road provides trail access to Ammonite Falls from the south.
The RDN is planning improvements to the park that will provide enhanced parking, a safe bridge crossing over Benson Creek, and upgraded trail descents that greatly improve public access to, and mobility within, this regionally significant park.
How you can be involved, find out more or provide feedback?
Get involved by registering. By registering, you will be kept up-to-date with progress on the Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Access Improvement project through our electronic communications.
Browse the background documents library located in the sidebar to gain a better understanding of the project.
Look at ourFAQ'sto have a better understanding of what, when, why and how this project will improve the Regional Park.
Share your comments, questions, and stories below with the project team.
Check the What's New tab for updates as the project moves along!
The Island Coastal Economic Trust recently announced the RDN's successful application for funding towards the construction of the Benson Creek Falls Access Improvements Project.
Design work is nearing completion and the tendering of the first phase of construction is expected late-spring, early-summer. The project includes three components:
improved parking and trail head at Weigles Road;
a recreational truss bridge crossing of Benson Creek, and;
The Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Access Improvements project will provide trail improvements to the existing trail network, create some small sections of new trail and staircase installation to access Ammonite Falls, viewing platforms, erosion control and habitat rehabilitation measures, truss bridge installation over Benson Creek, and a new 40-stall parking lot, including two accessible parking stalls, off Weigles Road. For more information on the designs of the proposed Benson Creek Crossing (Option1), Ammonite Falls Descent (Option 2), and Weigles Road parking lot please review the Board Report provided in the background document library.
The
conceptual design phase of this project is complete and the preferred design
options for the Benson Creek Bridge Crossing, the Ammonite Falls Descent
(Option 2) and Weigles Road Parking Lot have been determined and endorsed by
the Regional Board. For more information please read the Board Report provided in
the background document library.
In 2014 the Regional District of Nanaimo adopted the Benson
Creek Falls Regional Park Management Plan. The Plan identifies park access
improvements that will support user safety, limit liability, and reduce ongoing
erosion and vegetation damage associated with access to steep slopes and
environmentally sensitive areas.
Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Access Improvements has finished this stage
Check out the management plan for more information about the park and to learn some of the background on this project.
Concept Design of Bridge and Stairs
Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Access Improvements has finished this stage
Access improvements to Ammonite Falls and across Benson Creek were explored. Public were asked to share their thoughts by completing a questionnaire.
Evaluation of the Concepts
Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Access Improvements has finished this stage
A summary of the public input has been compiled and is available above. The concepts were brought to the RDN Board to determine which options to proceed with.
Funding Applications
Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Access Improvements has finished this stage
Based on conceptual design work, the RDN applied for grant funding for the project.
Detailed Design
Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Access Improvements has finished this stage
Detailed design work began for three components of the project: 1) improved parking and trail head at Weigles Road 2) a recreational truss bridge and trail improvements in the Benson Creek ravine, and 3) improvements at Ammonite Falls.
Parking, truss bridge and trail improvements were tendered for construction in 2020. Improvements at Ammonite Falls will be tendered in 2021.
Construction - Phase 1
Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Access Improvements has finished this stage
Construction for the Weigles Rd. parking and trail head, the truss bridge and trail improvements in the Benson Creek ravine were completed in Spring 2021.
Construction - Phase 2
Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Access Improvements has finished this stage
Construction of access improvements at Ammonite Falls is scheduled to begin on September 15, 2021.
New parking lot, trails, stairs, bridges and viewing platform open
Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Access Improvements is currently at this stage
