Benson Creek Falls Regional Park Access Improvements

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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 our FAQ's to 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 our FAQ's to 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!

  • Phase 1 Construction to Begin Fall 2020

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    The Regional Board has awarded two construction contracts for improvements at Benson Creek Falls Regional Park. This fall, CMF Construction Ltd. will be focusing efforts on installing a new hiking bridge over Benson Creek and upgrades to the Park’s steep ravine trails. Windley Contracting Ltd. will be focusing on constructing a new 40-stall gravel parking lot on Weigles Road, including a connecting trail into the Park.

    Park visitors can expect temporary closures of trails and should remain alert to construction activities in and around the Park. For everyone’s safety, please obey all signs posted by the Contractor. Stay tuned for project updates! Works are scheduled to be complete by the end of November.

    Phase 2, which includes stairs and a viewing platform at Ammonite Falls, is scheduled to occur in 2021.

  • Project Funding Announced

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    20 May, 2020

    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;
    • trail and stair improvements at Ammonite Falls.

  • Detailed Design Underway

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    01 August, 2019

    Detailed design is underway, and construction is expected to begin in 2020.

  • Project Description

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    01 August, 2019

    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.


  • Conceptual Design Complete

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    01 August, 2019

    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.


  • How We Got Here

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    01 August, 2019

    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.