The City of Trail is seeking expert guidance on the future of one of its most distinctive features, its network of covered staircases.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on Tuesday to identify a qualified consultant who can complete a comprehensive assessment of the approximately 58 covered staircases spread across the municipality.
Together, these structures represent about 1.25 kilometres of lineal infrastructure.
According to the city, the staircases are in varying states of repair and use.
The goal of the assessment is to better understand the level of funding needed to maintain or upgrade them.
At the same time, the review will help determine whether the community supports the removal of certain staircases, or if alternative infrastructure models should be considered in light of usage and ongoing maintenance costs.
While practical in function, the staircases are also considered an important part of Trail’s visual identity and historical landscape.
“These staircases are an important historical asset, that lends to the unique aesthetic of our community,” the city states in the RFP document. “The city is looking for guidance on the future stewardship of this asset respecting escalating repair costs.”
The staircase system traces its roots back to the 1930s.
Early designs mirrored the city’s rock retaining walls, but later decades saw the addition of wooden structures across the steep terrain of West Trail and East Trail.
These staircases were essential in connecting low-lying areas with the higher elevation neighbourhoods like Shaver’s Bench.
By the early 1980s, decades of wear led the city to establish a staircase reserve fund.
In 1983, council launched a broad repair and replacement initiative, followed by the introduction of metal roofing in 1986 to help protect the staircases from the elements and reduce maintenance demands.
The iconic red rooftops became a visual hallmark of Trail.
Lighting installations began in 1989, further enhancing functionality and safety.
Today, Trail’s stair system is considered part of the city’s cultural heritage, valued for its utility, social context, and contribution to the urban landscape.
The upcoming assessment will involve a detailed physical review of each staircase, identifying any safety concerns or immediate needs.
It will also include public engagement to gather community input on the use and perceived value of these assets.
Findings will be compiled into a final report with a prioritized list of projects and cost estimates, to inform future planning, budgeting, and capital investments.
