Significant Mount Benson trail improvements underway

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Diagram of ongoing trail repair work underway at Mount Benson Regional Park. (Image Credit: Regional District of Nanaimo)

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Significant Mount Benson trail improvements underway

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Impacted sections include large, loose rocks and deeply rutted areas, with Daykin stating regrading involves the use of existing area soil and gravel.

In addition to more safely guiding hikers on the trail, Daykin said reducing future maintenance requirements is another key aspect of the work.

Hazardous trees have also been removed to improve safety, Daykin noted.

He expects the work will be done by mid November, noting hikers should watch for signs and equipment in the interim while making their way up and down the mountain.

“We don’t want to close the trail, we want to make sure that people can still utilize it because the heavy lifting work is complete and now it’s just minor surfacing and cleanup.”

Example of trail restoration work ongoing at Mount Benson Regional Park. (Image Credit: Regional District of Nanaimo)

Financed by $100,000 from the provincial Growing Communities Fund, Daykin adds the project involves additional high-value safety features.

He said nearly 200 feet of stainless-steel cable supported by anchors are planned to be added on steep terrain segments of both Rafe’s Way and upper Gordie Trail.

“This durable material should stand the test of time as well as extreme environmental conditions while keeping hikers secure with hand holds as they navigate these challenging trails,” Daykin told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The RDN is currently looking for a contractor to install the steel cables, Daykin confirmed.

“We’re a little ambitious, but we’d like to get it accomplished this year if possible.”

Numerous other trail upgrades overseen by the RDN have been done in recent years.

Mount Benson Regional Park is primarily accessed by a large parking lot and trailhead on Benson View Rd.

Mount Benson’s summit is a little over 1,000 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views on a clear day of Nanaimo, Ladysmith, the Salish Sea, and mainland coastal mountain range.

Nanaimo, Salish Sea and the distant coastal mountain range as viewed from Mount Benson’s summit. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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