Existing routes are available to access trails on Mount Benson via the Witchcraft Lake trailhead during trail enhancements. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

trail enhancements

Mount Benson trail repairs expected to be done next summer

Nov 4, 2024 | 5:30 AM

NANAIMO — Significant hiking trail restoration work originally scheduled to be finished this fall has been pushed back to next summer.

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) stated re-routing a 700 metre section of Benson View Regional Trail to improve accessibility features a gentler grade, three short footbridges over seasonal streams and an out-and-back connector trail to the viewpoint along the old trail.

“The new route will be designated as the main trail to Mount Benson Regional Park (MBRP), but the old trail will remain as an alternate route,” the RDN’s manager of parks services Rick Daykin wrote in a statement to NanaimoNewsNOW.

The existing trail in the area includes multiple steep, rocky sections.

In addition to creating an easier to traverse trail, responding to erosion is key driver behind the work.

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“Over many years, winter rainfall and seasonal stream flow has severely eroded parts of the trail, making sections of the route difficult to navigate,” Daykin noted.

Originally scheduled to open this fall, Daykin said work had to be stopped due an existing vehicle bridge failing, which was used by a contractor for access to build the new trail alignment.

“In the meantime, visitors can still use the existing trail to access Mount Benson Regional Park,” Daykin stated.

Illustration of recent and ongoing hiking trail enhancements at Mount Benson (RDN)

The enhancements follow up on a 2022 B.C. government commissioned assessment and improvement plan to repair and reroute parts of the trail leading to MBRP, Daykin stated.

One section of trail near the Witchcraft Lake trailhead was enhanced in 2023, including switchbacks to mitigate a notoriously steep section.

MBRP is a nearly 300-hectare forested park with hiking trails and several viewpoints leading up to the 1,000 metre summit.

In the summer of 2019, a new parking lot with more than 100 spaces was opened on Benson View Rd. To meet ever-increasing public demand.

Mount Benson’s summit supplies iconic views of Nanaimo, Salish Sea and mainland coastal mountains. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes