Hwy. 19A/Plumber Rd. intersection just south of Parksville has been the source of recent discussions between the province and RDN to include amenities for pedestrians and cyclists. 

By Ian Holmes

pedestrian path

RDN elevates push for pedestrian link between Parksville and Rathtrevor Beach

May 30, 2020 | 10:20 AM

PARKSVILLE — Officials with the Regional District of Nanaimo are building a case to improve pedestrian and cycling access between Parksville and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.

The RDN board has asked the province to include active transportation amenities for pedestrians and cyclists to be included in future upgrades to highway 19A at Plumber Rd., near the entrance to the prized provincial park.

Yann Gagnon, manager of parks services for the RDN said the intersection just south of the orange bridge spanning the Englishman River is not pedestrian or bike friendly.

“It’s quite challenging, it’s a three-laned intersection and is a little tricky,” Gagnon said. “We support the development of a safer, inclusive way for people to access Rathtrevor beach park either by walking or by bicycle.”

Gagnon said ideally a path with some separation from the highway between Plumber Rd. and the park’s entrance would be a huge upgrade.

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“Bringing connectivity from the City of Parksville as well as electoral Area G in a safe and inclusive manner I think would be a great investment for the region,” Gagnon told NanaimoNewsNOW.

According to an RDN staff report, the ministry of transportation outlined various restrictions for a path along the stretch of highway, including limited road width and power poles close to the steep banked road.

However, Gagnon said the province sees merit in the plan to find a solution.

“I think it’s fair to say they are interested,” Gagnon said, who described the vision as long-term.

A ministry of transportation and infrastructure statement to NanaimoNewsNOW said it is “committed to integrating active transportation infrastructure where possible – as new construction and improvements on provincial highways are undertaken.”

The statement added ministry staff has discussed the proposed pedestrian route with both City of Parksville and RDN staff and “looks forward to continued discussions.”

The RDN and City of Parksville have discussed various options to establish the pedestrian/cycling link since 2011.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com
On Twitter: @reporterholmes