By Ian Holmes

Big plans to upgrade access to Ammonite Falls

Apr 22, 2017 | 3:09 PM

NANAIMO — Ambitious infrastructure plans are in the works to vastly improve access and safety for hikers at Benson Creek Falls Regional Park (BCFRP), home of popular Ammonite Falls.

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is planning to have stairs installed at the steep embankment at the base of Ammonite Falls, according to manager of parks services Wendy Marshall.

Marshall said two additional sets of stairs and a bridge across Benson Creek are planned to be installed at a ravine off the Weigles Rd. access point to the park.

Marshall said the RDN wants to make the park safer for all users.

“It will be interesting to have the stairs down into the ravine and a nice bridge,” Marshall said. “We can relieve the pressure from the other access on Jameson (Rd.).”

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Entering the park from Weigles Rd. provides a quicker route to the falls, however it’s currently a more treacherous option compared to the access from Jameson Rd. The bridge and stairs will address that issue.

Marshall said the RDN also plans to have the Weigles Rd. parking lot expanded.

“As long as we don’t run into something unforeseen we’d like to get the planning done this year.”

The RDN’s capital plan budget for parks has $55,000 in planning costs set aside for BCFRP this year, followed by $375,000 to build the three projects next year.

Marshall described the BCFRP plan as a “priority” for the RDN’s parks department, but noted ultimately it’s up to the board to sign off on the plan.

“It’s a popular place and has lots of tourism potential,” she added.

Trail counter data supplied by the RDN between May and August of 2013 showed 9,849 people accessed BCFRP via the Jameson Rd. and Weigles Rd. access points.

Ian.holmes@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @reporterholmes