Smoother surfacing and improved drainage are now in effect on a portion of the Linley Valley trail accessed off Hammond Bay Rd. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

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‘It’s a big improvement:’ crews upgrade portion of Linley Valley trail

Feb 16, 2021 | 5:31 AM

NANAIMO — A well used trail on the east portion of the increasingly popular Linley Valley recreation area has re-opened following several upgrades.

A contractor on behalf of the ministry of forests resurfaced about 600 metres of trail located off the end of Linley Rd., while drainage was also improved to better handle run-off from adjacent Cottle Creek.

Portions of the trail had been closed since the new year.

Longtime area resident Bonnie McKay regularly strolls through Linley Valley’s vast trail network. She said new drainage culverts, ditches and a gravel packed trail over what had been a soggy section of trail are big improvements.

McKay said Linley Valley’s trails have seen noticeably more users in recent years.

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“Linley Rd. is solid with cars from people driving here to actually use this trial. It has become well used for all people who live in Nanaimo,” McKay said.

The section of enhanced trail under provincial control bordering the City’s Linley Valley Cottle Park had previously been the site of a dilapidated stretch of narrow boardwalk.

The province does not have additional work planned for the area beyond minor maintenance.

McKay said investing in parks and trails pays off on many levels.

“Of course as we all know in times like today being outside is absolutely imperative. That’s the health that you really need is being outside.”

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