With some funding from the province, the Sunshine Coast may soon have a multi-use hiking trail stretching the entire Coast linking Langdale and Earls Cove ferry terminals and, eventually, an alpine trail leading to Squamish.
Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) staff plans to apply for approximately $1.2 million from the community development trust fund (CDTF) to complete the project in three phases over the next three years. The CDTF was set up by the Ministry of Community Development to support economically impacted forestry communities.
Sheane Reid, park planning co-ordinator for Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), presented the plan to the community services committee last Thursday.
Reid's plan found approval from directors. "This is exciting," said Peg Neilon, alternate director for board chair Donna Shugar. "I just want to hike this whole trail already."
Neilon will have to wait though. Phase one of the plan calls for $500,000 to develop a trail linking Earls Cove with the east side of Area B (Halfmoon Bay) in 2009. Phase two calls for another $500,000 to develop a trail leading from the Langdale ferry terminal to the eastern side of Area D (Roberts Creek) in 2010. The final phase would link Langdale to the northern border of the SCRD and connect with trails leading to Squamish at a projected cost of $200,000. The District of Sechelt would be responsible for the trail passing through its jurisdiction, and Mayor Darren Inkster is quite receptive to the idea, according to Reid.
Eric Graham, director for Pender Harbour and Egmont, was also excited to hear the plan and said it will be a safer route for non-motorized vehicles other than Highway 101.
"This will be major for getting people off the highway. Hikers and bikers are out there and there are lots of sharp corners. There are lots of spots with no paved shoulders," Graham said.
Coun. LeeAnn Johnson, alternate director for the Town of Gibsons, said she was excited by the economic impacts the trail could have by making the Sunshine Coast one of the most exciting new tourist attractions in B.C. for hikers.
According to Reid's plan, the project would hire 12 to 18 forestry workers and Sechelt Indian Band members for the construction of the trail. The trail would feature spots to pitch tents and helicopter pads in case of an emergency evacuation.
Reid said it was too early to comment on whether the application would be approved, but the SCRD should hear within a few months.
Currently, Reid is setting up multi-agency meetings with the ministries of Community Development, Forest and Range, Tourism and Culture as well as First Nation groups.
"We want to be working closely with the Sechelt First Nations and also the Squamish First Nations because it crosses over their traditional territories, so they are key partners in this project. I'm looking forward to meeting with them to discuss the proposal," Reid said.
