DocumentsStaff ReportMar 6, 2017Pages 24–26
Staff Report to Council - Nature Trail Society - Tourism
Report recommending the City proceed with opening a new trail in Nicklaus Park (Ecoasis Stage 13) as a pilot project with the Nature Trail Society and Ecoasis monitoring and maintaining the trail, and staff developing agreements, signage and education.
Key facts
- Report date: March 6, 2017
- Subject: Nicklaus Park (Stage 13) trail pilot constructed to 'Whistler Standard' for multi-use including mountain bikes
- Recommendation: Enter into Agreement with Ecoasis and Nature Trail Society for monitoring/maintenance during pilot and proceed with opening
- Financial implication: minimal costs; NTS and Ecoasis cover pilot costs
- Conditions: proper signage and community education required prior to opening
Staff Report to Council
Date: March 6, 2017
Department: Parks and Recreation
Subject: 20170306 Nature Trail Society - Tourism
Background
As part of Ecoasis Stage 13 requirements, Ecoasis and the Nature Trails Society (NTS) have been working on a trail pilot project in Nicklaus Park, which includes the use of mountain bikes on hiking trails.
Commentary
On February 23, 2017 the Nature Trail Society and Ecoasis presented a “Natures Trail Development Guide” to the Parks, Recreation, Culture & Beautification Committee. The presentation was well received by the Committee although no recommendations were put forward at the meeting.
The Natures Trail Society/Ecoasis would like to move forward with completing and opening up the new trail that has been built in Stage 13, Nicklaus Park. The trail has been constructed based on the “Whistler Standard” which has now become the industry standard for these types of trails.
Prior to opening the trail in Stage 13, staff recommend that the City enter into an Agreement with Ecoasis and NTS to monitor and maintain the trail during the pilot project. As well, proper signage and a community education program is still required prior to the opening of this trail.
City staff are supportive of opening the trail in Nicklaus Park as a pilot project. During this time staff would work with NTS and Ecoasis to develop and finalize the Bear Mountain Master Trails Plan. The Bear Mountain Community have also expressed their support of this project.
Financial Implications
There are minimal costs associated with opening this pilot trail as NTS and Ecoasis will cover the costs associated with this pilot project.
Legal Implications
The City will be legally responsible for ensuring the multiuse trail is properly signed, monitored and maintained. This is similar to all multiuse trails within the City.
Options
That Council direct staff to:
- proceed with the opening of the new trail in Stage 13 (Nicklaus Park) Nature Trail improvements as a pilot project during which time the Natures Trail Society with monitor and maintain the trail.
OR - to not proceed with the opening of the new trail at this time
Respectfully submitted
| Submitted by | Mike Leskiw, Parks and Recreation Manager |
|---|---|
| Concurrence | Matthew Baldwin, MCIP, RPP Director of Planning |
| Concurrence | Lorne Fletcher, Manager of Community Safety and Municipal Enforcement |
| Concurrence | George Henshall, A/ Director of Engineering |
| Concurrence | Steve Ternent, Director of Finance |
| Concurrence | Braden Hutchins, Director of Corporate Services |
| Concurrence | Jim Bowden, Chief Administrative Officer |
| Concurrence | Darren Kiedyk, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer |
:ML