A new route from Sechelt to Lund:
for humans, not cars
BY PIETA WOOLLEY LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE For the past few years, Sunshine Coast Tourism has been working on a plan to connect Sechelt to Lund with a safe, efficient route for cyclists, pedestrians, people using mobility scooters, and other folks choosing active transportation. It’s for commuters, tourists, and anyone who wants to enjoy the coast outside of a vehicle. In January, GJD Planning released the project’s second report. It breaks down the coast into 20 segments, and proposes infrastructure for each one. It also proposes which segments should get top priority. And, it notes that this will cost about $4 million per kilometre. Benefits include “the potential for improved emergency access in the event of damage to the Highway, improved population health and fitness, reduced emissions of air and water pollution, increased tourism revenue and improved access to shops and services for those with less ability or desire to drive, such as children, the elderly and people living in poverty.” Local people on the working group are Charlie Latimer (Lund Cycling Association), Charlie Mace (Sustainability Planner, City of Powell River), Christopher Lightfoot (Director, qathet Regional Cycling Association), Daniella Fergusson (Manager of Planning Services, City of PR), and Jason Gow, (Director of Planning Services, City of PR), along with several reps from the Lower Coast. Here, Sunshine Coast Tourism’s
Destination Development Manager Paul Kamon outlines why Connect the Coast is the right vision for this place, right now:
What’s your own experience with active transportation? Were you always a walker and cyclist? Paul • When my family moved to Powell River in 2011, we first lived in Townsite and I would ride my bicycle to work in Westview using the Willingdon Beach Trail. Unfortunately, I did not have an e-bike back then and the hill up to Joyce was admittedly a bit taxing. Today, I walk my dogs daily on the many great trails in the area.
GETTING AROUND CAN GET BETTER: Above, a so-called “cycling route” along Highway 101 reveals a weakness: trucks barelling by within an arms-length of cyclists. Right, Tofino’s recent project to twin the highway with a wide active transportation path. Far right, Preliminary Design Report for Connect the Coast: An All Ages and Abilities Active Transportation Route Linking Sechelt and Lund. Sunshine Coast Tourism’s Paul Kamon. Cycling on the protected path at Inland Lake. Photos courtesy of Sunshine Coast Tourism
What struck you about trying to walk and cycle in Westview and across the region when you first moved to PR? Paul • The neighbourhoods in Powell River were built during different eras of the City’s development and it can be difficult to find a good walking route as many streets in Westview (in particular) have long blocks and end with cul-de-sacs that are clearly designed for cars, not pedestrians. Cycling was also quite limited 10 years ago by the lack of safe cycling infrastructure and the many steep hills in the area. The City has made some great improvements with the infrastructure and the proliferation of electric bikes has made cycling more accessible to more people. What piece of Connect the Coast’s many projects are you most excited about? And why? Paul • The BIG vision! Developing an endto-end multi-use pathway along Highway 101 from Langdale to Lund would be a game changer for the entire region – significantly
improving accessibility and safety for both visitors and residents, while simultaneously reducing highway and even ferry congestion. It would also be an extraordinary draw for cycle tourism to the region.
Why should qathet folks be excited about Connect the Coast? Paul • We live in a beautiful place with incredible ocean views. Having a dedicated
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28 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca
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