Questions about the project? Post them here and a member of the project team will get back to you. Please note:
Please only post questions related to the project here. Information provided here via posted questions will not be shared with the RDN Board of Directors.
To protect your privacy and the privacy of others, please do not include any information that could identify you or another person. Identifying information could include a person’s name, address, email or phone number. Questions that contain personal information will not be published.
How many users are you anticipating on the trail? Are you anticipating an increase in users to Top Bridge and Englishman River? If so will additional facilities and cleaning be added to meet increased demand?
ARoss
asked
5 days ago
Trail user counts and studies on anticipated increases resulting from the new trail have not been undertaken. Once the trail is open, impacts to facilities at the Top Bridge parking lots will be monitored by parks operations staff and adjusted to meet changes to demand.
Is this trail being designed for accessibility with tread and grade considerations? If so will accessible facilities such as picnic tables, benches and look outs be provided in the park?
ARoss
asked
5 days ago
The trail will be designed to be accessible where feasible considering the natural topography. An accessible trail grade of 5% or less should be possible for most of the trail along the rail corridor. However, as the trail slopes down towards Englishman River, it may not be possible to achieve an accessible grade due to the natural topography and the underground water main that limits how much the grade can be changed. There is also a steep hill within Top Bridge Community Park where it may not be possible to achieve an accessible grade without significant tree removals.
The gravel trail material will be capped with a 1/4 inch crush (also known as cart path) similar to what was used on the accessible portion of Lighthouse Country Regional Trail and along the Coombs to Parksville Rail Trail.
Facilities like benches will be considered in the detailed design phase of the project and will consider public feedback received. Picnic tables are not being considered at this time.
Has an ecological assemement been done? What are the impacts of the trail in Top Bridge Parks?
ARoss
asked
5 days ago
A Qualified Environmental Professional will be retained in the Detailed Design phase of the project to do an Environmental Impact Assessment for the section of the trail near Englishman River and through Top Bridge Community Park.