Plans are in the works to add new signage around Nanaimo's Westwood Lake Park to indicate the difficulty of the next trail section. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

trail signs

Trail grade signage being considered at Nanaimo’s Westwood Lake

Jan 17, 2026 | 6:00 AM

NANAIMO — New signage may soon be coming to the city’s most popular lake spots, so trail users can be more prepared for what’s ahead.

A pilot project is being proposed for the trail system at Westwood Lake Park to grade different trail sections by level of difficulty and any potential mobility hazards which may exist.

The plan was discussed at the Wednesday, Jan. 14, advisory committee on accessibility and inclusiveness meeting, where Payton Carter, the City’s parks and open spaces planner, says they took inspiration from ski-hill signage, using the colours of green, yellow, and red to indicate increasing difficulty levels.

“The background of the sign is representative of the zone, so we have a zone number and a colour, and then it also provides detailed information about that specific trail segment. So a sign would typically include the length of that trail segment, as well as a description of the surface material, its grading, and its width.”

An example of what the new trail grade signs could look like. (Image Credit: City of Nanaimo)

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The plan would place these signs at the trailheads, as well as along the trail network itself.

Details on the trail’s surface material, slope, and hazards such as tree roots or areas of poor drainage.

Carter said they would also look at including the exact width of the trail in places where it narrows, so those who use mobility devices can be aware of what’s ahead of them.

Suggestions from the committee include adjusting the signs’ colour scheme for easier readability the colour-blind, adding a grade percentage for upcoming slopes, space to turn around if a user decides the section of trail is too challenging, and including wheelchair icons on sections of trails which might be suitable for wheelchair users.

While the pilot project would detail the layout of the trails, it wouldn’t include any accessibility improvements to the trail itself.

The City said they want to make sure they use the appropriate iconography so users don’t think parts of the trail is full accessible, save for the newly renovated area at First Beach.

The City confirmed the majority of the area designated in green as Zone 1 currently does not meet accessibility standards.

The report was accepted as information, with an official council decision required before any action can take place.

If successful, the City would look at expanding the pilot project to other parks.

The section of east Westwood Lake Trailhead, where the grading would change from zone one (green) to zone three (red). (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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