It's anticipated a preliminary design of the proposed West Bay Connector Trail will be available for public input early next year.
Earlier this month, the City of Salmon Arm released a package of information on the preliminary design work being done for the city and First Nations partners, the Adams Lake and Neskonlith bands, by ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. The trail is proposed to extend from the west end of the concrete boardwalk behind the Prestige Harbourfront Resort, through Neskonlith and Adams band land to the northern edge of the Adams Lake Community, ending near Pierre's Point Road at 50 Ave NW.
"Our project team will use community feedback, technical studies, and environmental, archaeological, and engineering guidelines to identify the location, alignment and features of the proposed trail and to create a draft preliminary design," reads the city's website. "This preliminary design will then be brought back to the community for review and feedback before the preliminary design is finalized."
At its Monday, Oct. 28 meeting, city council formally received the above information, along with a report from city engineering and public works director Rob Niewenhuizen. First providing some background, Niewenhuizen explained that in 2020, the project partners signed a memorandum of understanding to work collectively on the trail, and have since received funding for the project's preliminary design phase, including $100,000 from the BC Rural Dividend Fund, $150,000 from BC Active Transportation grant and $60,000 from other community contributions. In August, council awarded the preliminary design work to ISL. Niewenhuizen explained this work will provide the preferred alignment for the trail, with a rough draft of how the path will be built and the materials used. He noted ISL has already identified challenges/considerations along the bay, including fluctuating water elevations, water crossings and a steep, narrow section adjacent to the railway tracks.
"Archaeological sites will be identified as well as First Nations heritage sites… there's also a cemetery on that location as well," said Niewenhuizen.
A timeline for the preliminary design project shows work has already begun that includes a technical review, site visits and engagement between the partners, a process that has already begun with a presentation to the Adams Band council and a consultation workshop with Elders/Knowledge-keepers.
"We are currently engaged in that process; the end goal will be to create a safe, inclusive, environmentally friendly trail," said Niewenhuizen.
Engagement will continue into the winter, with a preliminary trail design expected in early 2025. Niewenhuizen said there will be a related survey going out to the public and an open house will be held in the new year.
