The red line follows the school connector route, which links schools at both ends of  Qualicum Beach.

By Spencer Sterritt

Trail to Trail

$500,000 investment to boost safety along busy Qualicum Beach trail

May 29, 2019 | 9:24 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — Significant new funding means getting around Qualicum Beach without a vehicle will be safer.

The ministry of transportation and infrastructure announced Wednesday the Town of Qualicum Beach is approved to receive slightly more than $500,000 to improve the east-west multi-use path, which runs parallel to Hoylake Rd.

Luke Sales, the director of planning and community development with the town, said the provincial funding makes all the difference in the world for the small town.

“The problem with this route right now is it’s disconnected. There’s some problematic areas where you either have to go out on the road or the trail is just too small. A trail is only as good as it’s weakest link.” _{Luke Sales}

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Four key sections of the east-west path will be upgraded, including new sections leading away from busy roads, avoiding railroad tracks and making connections to other streets much easier to navigate.

“We’ll be getting really close to the point where you can go all the way from the west side of Qualicum Beach to the east side on safe, convenient separated multi-use pathways.”

This is the second major funding announcement for Qualicum Beach trail infrastructure in less than a year.

In June, 2018 nearly $700,000 was announced to complete the walking and cycling path along well-used Memorial Ave.

“There’s no way the town can tackle these kinds of major infrastructure upgrades,” Sales said.

Sales said they hope to have construction nearly complete on the east-west connector by next year.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit