Rail Trail from Top Bridge Crossing to Despard Ave in Parksville
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is planning a new regional trail along the Island Rail Corridor between Top Bridge Crossing and Despard Avenue in Parksville. The trail will connect Top Bridge Regional Trail to the Coombs to Parksville Rail Trail, with the goal of improving active transportation options, increasing recreational opportunities and creating better connections between existing trails.
HAVE YOUR SAY Share your feedback by: - Dropping by our pop-up open house on July 29 (3 - 7 p.m.) at the Butler Avenue railway crossing in Parksville. - Completing the online survey (live from July 22 - August 12).
About the Project
The project includes:
Upgrading approximately 3.7 kilometres of an existing water main access road between Alberni Highway and the Englishman River. This access road is not currently designated as a public trail.
Building approximately 0.75 kilometres of new trail to connect the Allsbrook Road Top Bridge parking lot to the railway corridor.
Building approximately 0.65 kilometres of new trail to connect Despard Avenue to the railway corridor along Alberni Highway.
The project will complete a continuous 16-kilometre trail route connecting Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park to Coombs.
Before proceeding, the project will require approvals and agreements with the Island Corridor Foundation, the City of Parksville, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit and BC Hydro.
Engagement
The RDN is seeking community feedback to help identify:
Safety concerns
Connectivity gaps
Accessibility barriers
Important trail design considerations
Residents can review the proposed concept design on the Get Involved RDN project page, attend a drop-in open house and complete an online survey.
What Happens Next?
Feedback received through the survey and open house will be reviewed and summarized to help guide the trail design. A What We Heard Engagement Summary will be posted on this page and registered participants will be notified by email. The final trail design will be posted on this page once completed.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is planning a new regional trail along the Island Rail Corridor between Top Bridge Crossing and Despard Avenue in Parksville. The trail will connect Top Bridge Regional Trail to the Coombs to Parksville Rail Trail, with the goal of improving active transportation options, increasing recreational opportunities and creating better connections between existing trails.
HAVE YOUR SAY Share your feedback by: - Dropping by our pop-up open house on July 29 (3 - 7 p.m.) at the Butler Avenue railway crossing in Parksville. - Completing the online survey (live from July 22 - August 12).
About the Project
The project includes:
Upgrading approximately 3.7 kilometres of an existing water main access road between Alberni Highway and the Englishman River. This access road is not currently designated as a public trail.
Building approximately 0.75 kilometres of new trail to connect the Allsbrook Road Top Bridge parking lot to the railway corridor.
Building approximately 0.65 kilometres of new trail to connect Despard Avenue to the railway corridor along Alberni Highway.
The project will complete a continuous 16-kilometre trail route connecting Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park to Coombs.
Before proceeding, the project will require approvals and agreements with the Island Corridor Foundation, the City of Parksville, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit and BC Hydro.
Engagement
The RDN is seeking community feedback to help identify:
Safety concerns
Connectivity gaps
Accessibility barriers
Important trail design considerations
Residents can review the proposed concept design on the Get Involved RDN project page, attend a drop-in open house and complete an online survey.
What Happens Next?
Feedback received through the survey and open house will be reviewed and summarized to help guide the trail design. A What We Heard Engagement Summary will be posted on this page and registered participants will be notified by email. The final trail design will be posted on this page once completed.
The RDN is seeking community feedback to help identify safety concerns, connectivity gaps, accessibility barriers and important trail design considerations. We welcome your input!
Here’s how you can share your thoughts on proposed trail:
Feedback received through the survey and open house will be reviewed and summarized to help guide the trail design. A What We Heard Engagement Summary will be posted on this page and registered participants will be notified by email. The final trail design will be posted on this page once completed.
The RDN is seeking community feedback to help identify safety concerns, connectivity gaps, accessibility barriers and important trail design considerations. We welcome your input!
Here’s how you can share your thoughts on proposed trail:
Feedback received through the survey and open house will be reviewed and summarized to help guide the trail design. A What We Heard Engagement Summary will be posted on this page and registered participants will be notified by email. The final trail design will be posted on this page once completed.
Rail Trail from Top Bridge Crossing to Despard Ave in Parksville has finished this stage
In 2009, the RDN undertook an E&N Rail-with-Trail feasibility study to assess potential trail development along the rail corridor within Electoral Areas A, E, F, G, and H and the municipalities of Lantzville, Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
Agreement with Island Corridor Foundation (2011)
Rail Trail from Top Bridge Crossing to Despard Ave in Parksville has finished this stage
In 2011, the RDN, City of Nanaimo, District of Lantzville, City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach signed a Licence of Occupation with the Island Corridor Foundation that provides the opportunity for local governments to construct rail by trail within the corridor to agreed upon construction guidelines.
Concept Design and Engagement (2026)
Rail Trail from Top Bridge Crossing to Despard Ave in Parksville is currently at this stage
Koers Engineering was retained to create a concept design for the trail
An online survey and drop-in open house will gather input on safety concerns, connectivity gaps and accessibility barriers, and help confirm that proposed design features meet community needs
A What We Heard Engagement Summary will be shared with the public and presented to the Area G Parks and Open Space Committee.
The engagement results, concept design and cost estimate will be presented to the RDN Board before the project proceeds to the detailed design phase.
Detailed Design (Fall 2026)
this is an upcoming stage for Rail Trail from Top Bridge Crossing to Despard Ave in Parksville
The detailed design of the trail will consider the public feedback on the concept design.
Construction (2027)
this is an upcoming stage for Rail Trail from Top Bridge Crossing to Despard Ave in Parksville
Construction timing and phasing will be determined based on cost estimates and whether additional funding is required.
