E&N Rail Trail begins to take shape
Posted by Steven Hurdle on October 26, 2009
The E&N Rail Trail, a multi-use trail for cyclists, walkers, and similar uses, being built along the current train line that runs up and down the island being Victoria and Parksville, has a section under construction between Jacklin and Selwyn. Construction is expected to occur between October and December, inclusive.
At the recent Parks Open House at Langford City Hall, Langford Councillor Lanny Seaton informed me that “I convinced them to do a demonstration section.” He has been advocating for a less expensive way to build bridges across the few sections of the E&N right-of-way that require it, which would allow the Rail Trail to follow the train track all the way up until it meets Atkins and Veteran’s Memorial Parkway. The current plan of the society behind the Rail Trail is to route trail users onto the Galloping Goose, then up steep Wale Road, and finally down Goldstream Ave. until meeting the trail again at the corner of Goldstream and Veteran’s, until such time as an economical way to build the several bridges needed to traverse the View Royal sections is agreed upon.
Ann said
Is this why the bulldozers are tearing out every tree and shrub and bush on a five-meter-wide section along the railroad tracks for a half-mile east of Veteran’s Parkway? It was shady and cool to walk there in the summer.
Jebby said
Langford fears trees. There are a lot of evils hiding in them. It’s just not safe anymore.
Ann said
New story on WTF Langford? “Rail Trail Fail” (with pics.)
Excerpt:
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Log it, pave it, call it a “Green Initiative”
Overheard at the E & N Trail bike path Open House in October:
Langford resident: “Where are the trees? I don’t see any trees in these plans.”
Langford staffer: (Chuckles and strolls away)
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Ann said
See http://wtflangford.blogspot.com/2009/11/rail-trail-fail.html
Steven Hurdle said
I’m curious, and speaking here as someone who supports the Rail Trail: do you oppose creation of the Rail Trail at all, or do you think it’s wider than it needs to be (meaning more trees were taken out than necessary in your opinion to create a functioning alternative transportation trail), or are you opposed to creating this section of trail when it’s not yet certain when or if the connection to the rest of the Rail Trail will be completed, or are you concerned for some other reason?
Ann said
It looks like they are building a new highway – the right of way is almost 50 feet wide in places. Of course I support green initiatives when they are actually green, but this is throwing public money at something that may never lead anywhere and they are paving over another little ecosystem. Sound familiar?
Meeri said
I walked on the being built portion of the rail trail yesterday from the Rembrance Day celebration at Veteran’s Park…I think it will be a wonderful alternative for walking and cycling on busy Atkins Road when it is completed.
K said
I hope there will be a sky train set up between Langford and Victoria…..