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Powell River Recreation Complex pathway nears completion

Multi-use, accessible addition increases active transportation infrastructure
complex pathway
PAVING THE WAY: City of Powell River manager of recreation Neil Pukesh checks out the new pathway, part of phase two of the city’s cycling infrastructure plan, looping around Powell River Recreation Complex. Dave Brindle photo

A paved, multi-use pathway currently in the construction phase at Powell River Recreation Complex is intended to “support active transportation,” according to City of Powell River manager of recreation Neil Pukesh.

“It’s going to be 1.5 kilometres long and should be completed in the next couple of weeks,” said Pukesh. “It’s an extension of the bike lanes.”

Funding for phase two of the project is being jointly shared by the city and the Bike BC cycling infrastructure partnership program, which provides 50 per cent of the $16,000 in funding.

According to city councillor Jim Palm, Powell River has been applying for numerous programs from the province, but is not receiving as much funding as it once did, so any funding is welcome.

“That seems to be the only type of funding we’re getting these days, cycling and the transporting funds, so I’m happy we have that funding to be able to put it in place,” said Palm, adding that the path is a great addition to the complex.

The path runs from Joyce Avenue down over the footbridge and then takes users around the complex, past the bike park, along Complex Way and back to Joyce.

“It’s a full, continuous loop of a paved, multi-use pathway that is wheelchair accessible,” said Pukesh, adding that the path can also be used for walking, cycling, rollerskating or rollerblading and by motorized scooters.

“It’s something they can now feel comfortable using; it’s safe,” said Pukesh. “It’s going to be about three metres wide in most places; just a nice, paved pathway people can enjoy to become active and healthy.”

While there has been opposition from some residents about the continued expansion of cycling paths in the city, according to Pukesh, response to the multi-use path at the complex has been very positive.

“I know a lot of people in the community are excited about it,” he said. “It’s being heavily used right now, even though it’s not officially open. Joyce Avenue needs to be completed for paving and once that’s done everything should be fine.”

Paving on Joyce, also part of phase two, will connect with proposed bike lanes on Manson Avenue, said Pukesh.

“It’s an opportunity to connect trails through Millennium Park to this multi-use pathway and it’s an extension of the bike lanes,” he said.

According to Pukesh, the fact that the paved pathway is in close proximity to Powell River General Hospital care facilities is also a notable addition to the community.

“We’ve already spoken to some doctors and nurses and they’re ecstatic they can now take their clients outside and have nice walks when the weather is decent,” said Pukesh. “We’re looking at adding some benches and maybe some picnic tables along the way, too.”

Pukesh said there are also plans to put distance markers every 200 metres.

“People can see how far they walk,” he said. “It’s just shy of one mile. Maybe we will look at doing some programming, such as a one-mile run.”