First phase of upgrades to popular hiking trail near Nanaimo complete
The first phase of upgrades to Benson Creek Falls Regional Park intended to improve safety and accessibility is now complete, and the affected section of trail has reopened for use.
Improvements included a new, 40-stall parking lot with kiosk centre on Weigles Road, as well as viewing platforms, wooden staircases and railings on both sides of a steep ravine. A 30-metre bridge now connects the two sides of the ravine.
The bridge, which runs over Benson Creek, was prefabricated and had to be airlifted into place back in March.
Construction on the popular trail – which is located just outside the harbour city, within the Regional District of Nanaimo – started last year.
“It’s a pretty special site, going down a ravine and Ammonite Falls is really breathtaking,” says Yann Gagnon, manager of parks services for the RDN. “It all made sense to improve it for everybody to enjoy it.”
The upgraded section means it will take visitors approximately 15 minutes to get the bottom of the ravine from the Weigles Rd parking lot and another 15 minutes to get to Ammonite Falls.
The final phase of improvements is expected to begin this July and are intended to improve access to Ammonite Falls. Upgrades will include a viewing platform at the falls, and are expected to be complete in late October or early November.
The whole project will cost $1.1 million.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.