The work to improve the Lighthouse Country Regional Trail in Qualicum Bay and Bowser is complete.
The Regional District of Nanaimo celebrated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 25.
With the completion of this work, there is now a continuous four-kilometre regional trail connection from Lions Community Park at Lioness Boulevard to Wildwood Community Park at McColl Road. Residents and visitors can now enjoy many new features, including accessibility improvements.
“We are pleased to see the completion of these new features and upgrades to the Lighthouse Country Regional Trail," said Stuart McLean, RDN vice-chair and Electoral Area H (Bowser, Qualicum Bay, Deep Bay) director. "They connect the north and south loops while also improving access for more residents. Access to parks is vital to our health and well-being and is a priority for the RDN. More visitors of varying abilities can now use this amazing trail to be active and to connect with others and with nature.”
The trail is separated into north and south sections and enables people to experience the beauty of the rare coastal Douglas-fir forest. The north loop and neighbouring Wildwood Community Park provide about two kilometres of footpath popular with walkers and equestrians. The south section offers about 2.5 kilometres of wheelchair-accessible trail.
The recent trail improvements include:
- A new pedestrian bridge over Nile Creek
- A new boardwalk and stairs through Nile Creek ravine to connect the north loop and south section of Lighthouse Country Regional Trail
- Resurfacing of the south section of LCRT from Lioness Blvd to Linx Rd to improve accessibility for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, strollers and bicycles
- Updated trail wayfinding signage with easier readability, trailhead locations and permitted trail uses
- New tapping rail to better guide visitors who have a visual or balance impairment along the south section of the trail (Lioness Blvd to Linx Rd)
Other features found along the south section of this popular trail include benches, picnic tables and interpretive signage. To learn more about RDN parks and to plan your next park visit, visit rdn.bc.ca/parks-services.
