By Ian Holmes

Highly anticipated trail between Parksville and Coombs opens

Jan 4, 2017 | 4:01 PM

PARKSVILLE — A multi-purpose trail described as a “game-changer” linking Parksville and Coombs has opened.

The Regional District’s Parks and Trails Coordinator Joan Michel says the 6.7-kilometre Coombs to Parksville Rail Trail opened in late December, after crews starting building the three-metre wide path last spring.

Michel says the trail will vastly improve commuter-safety between the two communities.

“This trail makes it possible for so many people to get out and stretch their legs either on foot or particularly on bicycles because most people will not tangle with cars, for very good reasons,” said Michel.

The gravel packed trail connects Springwood Park in Parksville to Station Road at Highway 4 in Coombs. Michel notes there are a few minor projects over the next few months to finish the job, including railroad crossing work, landscaping and signage.

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Michel says the trail will change people’s daily lives.

“That’s really the biggest thing about this Rail Trail, is it’s going to make it possible for an awful lot of people to incorporate daily activities.”

She notes that $2.6-million of the $3.8-million project came from federal gas tax money.