The Cowichan Valley Regional District has announced the Saltair Rail with Trail project is now under construction.
Located within the E&N Railway corridor, the 4.3-kilometre section of trail is the newest addition to the 120 kilometre Cowichan Valley Trail completion initiative. Upon completion in late 2018, the Saltair Rail With Trail project will connect the communities of Ladysmith, Saltair and Chemainus with more than 15 kilometres of non-motorized trail, creating a safe and reliable alternative to Chemainus Road for cyclists and pedestrians.
“Connecting our communities through trails that promote the health and wellness of citizens is something we are incredibly proud of,” said Jon Lefebure, chair of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. “This next phase of trail completion brings us even closer to realizing our vision of a fully-connected regional trail corridor and will have an immediate impact on the lives of people in the northern end of our district when completed.”
Features of the rail trail experience will include connection to Stocking Creek Park in Saltair, a scenic crossing over Stocking Creek and passing through a mixture of rural countryside and small town residential areas. As part of the Great Trail route across Canada, the addition of new sections to the Cowichan Valley Trail not only serves local residents along the route, but contributes to regional and national efforts to develop off-road pathway opportunities for recreation, tourism and active transportation commuting, creating healthier communities and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Saltair Rail With Trail project is made possible largely through grant and donor funding, including the Trans Canada Trail Foundation, the BC Rural Dividend Fund, BikeBC and Community Works Federal Gas Tax funding. The project provides for active transportation use by local residents and visitors to the region, connecting neighbourhoods, towns and attractions, inclusive of local schools, parks, shopping and dining.
With any major project, the public is advised to be aware of active construction activities associated with construction of the three-metre wide rail with trail. If traveling in the area, be aware of construction signs and closed areas.