The District of Sechelt has been awarded a Rural Dividend Grant from the Province for planning for Phase 2 of the Suncoaster Trail project.
The District snagged just over 25,000 dollars.
Perry Schmitt, manager of parks and streetscapes said the money will be used to hire a consultant, likely the same one who was hired to plan Phase 1 and he describes what they’ll do.
“Work with multi-jurisdictional partners in this and other landowners to determine the final route and then also determine the wayfinding to, basically, where the kiosks go, where the signage goes and one of the reasons we want to use the same consultant is because we really consider this a seamless trail.”
Schmitt said both the District and SCRD will have shovel ready projects and will go after money for construction.
Schmitt said the parties involved, which includes the SCRD and the Sechelt First Nation are hoping the design and consultation work will be completed in 2019 and construction of the trails, signage and maps is scheduled for 2020.
He expects the trail will be good for the local economy.
“It’s going to be a big draw when it’s done and it might actually create some job opportunities for people that want to build on the success of the trail network, whether it be tour guides or BnB’s.”
The existing 37 kilometer Suncoaster Trail moves through rural communities and wilderness settings from Egmont to Halfmoon Bay.
Phase 2 will extend the Trail to Langdale.
