625 Fisgard St., Capital Regional District Victoria, BC V8W 1R7
Notice of Meeting and Meeting Agenda Regional Parks Committee
Wednesday, April 20, 2016 9:30 AM 6th Floor Boardroom
M. Hicks (Chair), D. Screech (Vice Chair), J. Brownoff, B. Isitt, N. Jensen, R. Kasper, S. Price, L. Seaton, K. Williams, R. Windsor, B. Desjardins (Board Chair, ex-officio)
1. Approval of Agenda
2. Motion to Close the Meeting
2.1. 16-552 Motion to Close the Meeting
Recommendation: That the meeting be closed in accordance with the Community Charter, Part 4, Division 3, 90(1)(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the board considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the regional district and 2 (b) the consideration of information received and held in confidence relating to negotiations between the regional district and a provincial government or the federal government or both, or between a provincial government or the federal government or both and a third party.
3. Adoption of Minutes
3.1. 16-551 Minutes of the February 17, 2016 Regional Parks Committee Meeting
Recommendation: That the minutes of the February 17, 2016 Regional Parks Committee meeting be adopted as circulated. Attachments: 2016-02-17 Minutes
4. Chair’s Remarks
5. Presentations/Delegations
6. Committee Business
6.1. 16-554 Regional Trails - CRD Jurisdiction
Recommendation: That the Regional Parks Committee refer this staff report to the Transportation Select Committee for information. Attachments: SR: Regional Trails - CRD Jurisdiction Regional Trails - CRD Jurisdiction - Attachment 1
Capital Regional District Page 1 Printed on 4/15/2016 Regional Parks Committee Notice of Meeting and Meeting April 20, 2016 Agenda
6.2. 16-548 General Manager’s Report
Recommendation: That the Regional Parks Committee receive the General Manager's report for information. Attachments: Staff Report: General Manager’s Report
7. Correspondence
7.1. 16-446 Correspondence: Cowichan Valley Regional District re Trans Canada Trail Joint Project Funding Attachments: Correspondence: CVRD-TC Trail Jnt Proj Fnd'g
7.2. 16-553 Letter: District of North Saanich re Lochside Trail
Recommendation: That the correspondence be received for information.
Attachments: Letter: District of N Saanich re Lochside Trail
8. New Business
9. Adjournment
Next Meeting: May 18, 2016
To ensure quorum, please advise Pat Perna at 250-360-3642 if you or your alternate cannot attend.
Capital Regional District Page 2 Printed on 4/15/2016 625 Fisgard St., Capital Regional District Victoria, BC V8W 1R7
Meeting Minutes Regional Parks Committee
Wednesday, February 17, 2016 9:30 AM 6th Floor Boardroom
PRESENT: DIRECTORS: M. Hicks (Chair), D. Screech (Vice-Chair), J. Brownoff, B. Isitt, N. Jensen, R. Kasper (9:35), S. Price, L. Seaton, K. Williams, B. Desjardins (Board Chair, ex-officio) STAFF: L. Hutcheson, General Manager, Parks and Environmental Services; M. Walton, Senior Manager, Regional Parks; M. MacIntyre, Regional Parks Manager of Operations; Carolyn Stewart, Planner, Regional Parks; B. Reems, Corporate Officer; P. Perna, Committee Clerk (recorder)
The meeting was called to order at 9:30 am.
1. Approval of Agenda
MOVED by Director Williams, SECONDED by Director Price, That the agenda for the February 17, 2016 Regional Parks Committee meeting be approved as amended to move items 5.4 and 7.1 to follow item 5.2. CARRIED
MOVED by Director Isitt, SECONDED by Director Williams That the agenda for the February 17, 2016 Regional Parks Committee meeting be approved as amended to include an additional speaker regarding Item 4.1 and 7.1. CARRIED 2. Adoption of Minutes
2.1. 16-237 Minutes of the January 20, 2016 Regional Parks Committee Meeting
MOVED by Director Price, SECONDED by Director Brownoff, That the minutes of the January 20, 2016 Regional Parks Committee meeting be adopted as circulated. CARRIED
MOVED by Director Williams, SECONDED by Board Chair Desjardins That the minutes of the January 20, 2016 Regional Parks Committee meeting be adopted as amended to correct a typing error. CARRIED 3. Chair’s Remarks
None.
Capital Regional District Page 1 Printed on 3/9/2016 Regional Parks Committee Meeting Minutes February 17, 2016
4. Presentations/Delegations
4.1. 16-245 Delegation: Daniel Cammiade, The Southern Vancouver Island Nature Trails Society, Re: Item 7.1 - Regional Nature Trails Network Tim Huet and Daniel Cammiade, The Southern Vancouver Island Nature Trails Society, spoke to a PowerPoint Presentation and provided an overview of their society. They advised that they are not looking for any financial assistance, but are looking for authorization to provide needed work and to place signage in the trails. Mr. Lister Ferrer, was asked to speak at this point, but he declined stating he was here to answer questions if needed on this presentation or on the Notice of Motion Item 7.1.
Dircector Kasper arrived at 9:35 am.
4.1.1 16-263 Daniel Cammiade - PowerPoint Presentation - Southern Vancouver Island Nature Trails Society Additional Information Agenda Item 4.1
4.2. 16-264 Delegation: Tony Wass, Lochside Trail Riders, Re: Item 5.2 - Regional Trails Management Plan Mr. Tony Wass spoke regarding the Lochside Trail and requested a change in the wording of Alternative 1 in Staff Report 5.2 as follows: "That the regional parks committee receive this report for information and direct staff to investigate options for multi-use on the unpaved sections of the Lochside Trail between Centennial Trail and Island View Beach Road and report back on those options in the fall." He presented his concerns and requested that all sections of the trail that are rural, stay rural.
4.3. 16-265 Delegation: Brenda Axon Re: Item 5.1 - Island View Beach Regional Park Draft Management Plan Ms. Brenda Axon spoke against the Island View Beach Regional Park Draft Management Plan and advised of the hazards on the limitations for dogs at the park as well as the benefits for dogs and the public to have acess to the park and the ocean.
4.4. 16-266 Delegation: Jim Laite Re: Item 5.1 - Island View Beach Regional Park Draft Management Plan Mr. Jim Laite spoke against the Island View Beach Regional Park Draft Management Plan and was concerned with the lack of open space in the park plan.
4.5. 16-267 Delegation: Karen Harris Re: Item 5.1 - Island View Beach Regional Park Draft Management Plan Ms. Karen Harris spoke about horses at Island View Beach and spoke against the Island View Beach Regional Park Draft Management Plan.
Capital Regional District Page 2 Printed on 3/9/2016 Regional Parks Committee Meeting Minutes February 17, 2016
4.6. 16-268 Delegation: Dr. Barbara Powell, Friends of Island View Beach, Re: Item 5.1 - Island View Beach Regional Park Draft Management Plan Dr. Barbara Powell spoke against the Island View Beach Regional Park Draft Management Plan and lack of benefits in the plan. She stated that the plan is disproportionately allocated and feels it is impossible to implement.
4.7. 16-269 Delegation: Jason Austin Re: Item 5.1 - Island View Beach Regional Park Draft Management Plan Mr. Ted Murray, on behalf of Mr. Jason Austin, spoke against the Island View Beach Draft Management Plan and advised that this draft plan has not been factually or scientifcally provided to the public and will provide less park access to the beach for the public.
4.8. 16-270 Delegation: Alison Robb Re: Item 5.1 - Island View Beach Regional Park Draft Management Plan Ms. Alison Robb was unable to attend to speak to the Committee.
4.9. 16-271 Delegation: Tom Michell Re: Item 5.1 - Island View Beach Regional Park Draft Management Plan Mr. Tom Michell was unable to attend to speak to the Committee.
5. Committee Business
5.1. 16-233 Island View Beach Regional Park Draft Management Plan
M. Walton provided details of the Island View Beach Regional Park Draft Management Plan and advised that the plan is scheduled to go out for two more opportunities for public comment. He provided clarification on the legal boundaries of the park; however, the beach will continue to have access because the that area is under a different jurisdication.
Discussion ensued on the following: * boat ramp issues and where they intend to work * dog boundaries on and off leash * placing and repairing berms * types of visitor activities
Chair Hicks left the meeting at 10:53 am and Vice Chair Screech assumed the chair. Chair Hicks returned to the Chair at 10:55 am.
* classification of the park * ecological aspects of the report * hazards of mosquitoes and their affect on the farms and farmers * equestrian use and no provision for horses in the plan
Board Chair Desjardins left at 10:49 am and did not vote on this item.
Capital Regional District Page 3 Printed on 3/9/2016 Regional Parks Committee Meeting Minutes February 17, 2016
MOVED by Director Screech, SECONDED by Director Isitt, That the Regional Parks Committee recommend to the Capital Regional District Board: That the Island View Beach draft Management Plan be received for information and that it be referred to the Municipality of Central Saanich, Tsawout First Nation, other levels of government, stakeholders and the public for review and comment. CARRIED
5.2. 16-239 Regional Trails Management Plan
L. Hutcheson provided an overview of the report.
Discussion ensued on the following: * issues of safety and horses on the trails * making sure the trails are the right size * paving on sections of the trail
MOVED by Director Windsor, SECONDED by Director Screech, That the Regional Parks Committee receive this report for information and direct staff to investigate options for continued equestrian use on the section of the Lochside Trail between Lochside Park and Island View Beach Road and report back on those options in the fall.
MOVED by Director Brownoff, SECONDED by Director Kasper, That the main motion be amended to include the area of Blenkinsopp in the Regional Trails Management Plan CARRIED
MOVED by Windsor, SECONDED by Director Screech That the Regional Parks Committee receive this report for information and direct staff to investigate options for continued equestrian use on the section of the Lochside Trail between Lochside Park, Island View Beach Road, and Blenkinsop and report back on those options in the fall. CARRIED
5.4. 16-192 Bike BC Grant Application
L. Hutcheson provided an overview of the report and advised that this grant opportunity is now available.
MOVED by Director Screech, SECONDED by Director Windsor, That the Regional Parks Committee recommend to the Capital Regional District Board: That the Board approve submission of a 2016 grant application to Bike BC for the Hallowell Road to Maplebank Road Project Area of the E&N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector. CARRIED 7. Notice of Motion
7.1. 16-242 Notice of Motion: Director B. Isitt - Regional Nature Trails Network
Capital Regional District Page 4 Printed on 3/9/2016 Regional Parks Committee Meeting Minutes February 17, 2016
MOVED by Director Jensen, SECONDED by Director Isitt, That the Regional Parks Committee directs staff to work with the Southern Vancouver Island Nature Trails Society and other interested groups and report back on options for pursuing the vision of an integrated trails network within the Regional Parks system. CARRIED 5. Committee Business Continued
5.3. 16-202 Trans Canada Trail-Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail
L. Hutcheson provided an overview of the report.
Discussion ensued on the following: * how cycling can take part in the trails * restricting staff to work with Southern Island Trails Society when there are a lot of other interested parties * ensuring respect of other municipalities' jurisdictions * some of the interfacing of trails that go near or through private properties * concern of having too many groups to work with * watershed protection
MOVED by Director Isitt, SECONDED by Director Screech, That the Regional Parks Committee receive this report for information. CARRIED
5.5. 16-188 Thetis Lake Pistol Range - Site Restoration and Park Use
L. Hutcheson provided an overview of the report.
MOVED by Director Price, SECONDED by Director Brownoff, That the Regional Parks Committee receive this report for information. CARRIED
5.6. 16-200 Planning for Regional Trails on the Southern Gulf Islands and Salt Spring Island Director Screech left at 11:37 am.
L. Hutcheson provided an overview of the report.
MOVED by Director Windsor, SECONDED by Director Kasper, That the Regional Parks Committee receive this report for information and that it be forwarded to the Capital Regional District Board for information. CARRIED
5.7. 16-234 Process for Identifying Lands to be Considered Through the Land Acquisition Program L. Hutcheson provided an overview of the report.
MOVED by Director Williams, SECONDED by Director Windsor, That the Regional Parks Committee receive this report for information. CARRIED
Capital Regional District Page 5 Printed on 3/9/2016 Regional Parks Committee Meeting Minutes February 17, 2016
6. Correspondence
6.1. 16-197 Correspondence: Union of BC Municipalities Re: Gas Tax Strategic Priorities Fund Application Director Jensen left at 11:40 am.
8. New Business
None.
9. Adjournment
MOVED by Director Windsor, SECONDED by Director Williams, That the February 17, 2016 Regional Parks Committee meeting be adjourned at 11:41 am. CARRIED
______Chair
______Recorder
Capital Regional District Page 6 Printed on 3/9/2016
REPORT TO REGIONAL PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016
SUBJECT Regional Trails – CRD Jurisdiction
ISSUE
The Transportation Select Committee has requested information outlining the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) jurisdiction and transportation-related obligations arising from agreements between the CRD and other governments relating to Regional Trails.
BACKGROUND
Background is provided on the three existing regional trails and the tenure agreements that provide the CRD with authorization to develop and operate them. A map illustrating the three trails is attached (Attachment 1).
Galloping Goose Regional Trail
In 1987, the Province leased a 43 km portion of the former Canadian National Railway (CNR) corridor to the CRD for the purpose of a regional trail within a linear park. The lease provides the authority for the CRD to establish, manage and maintain the trail and park corridor from Atkins Avenue in View Royal to Leechtown, in the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. The CRD Board approved a Galloping Goose Regional Park Corridor Management Plan in 1989. There were no transportation-related obligations for the CRD in the 1987 lease or 1989 Management Plan.
In 1993, the Province of BC leased two additional sections of the former CNR corridor to the CRD to extend the Galloping Goose trail and park corridor from Atkins Avenue in View Royal to the Switch Bridge in Saanich and from the Switch Bridge to the south side of the Selkirk Trestle in the City of Victoria. Each section was authorized under a Lease for Recreational Use and required that the CRD to use the premises only for the purpose of an interim regional trail within a recreational park corridor. The “Saanich spur”, located between the Switch Bridge and McKenzie Avenue in Saanich was also included in the 1993 lease. The spur makes up part of the Lochside Regional Trail.
In 2015, the CRD and the Province of BC signed an updated and consolidated Galloping Goose lease. The lease is for 30 years (to April 2045). Given the recognition that regional trails are used for both active recreation and active transportation, the current lease wording was updated to reflect that. In the 2015 lease, permitted uses are defined in the lease as “construction, operation, maintenance, repair, removal and replacement of a regional public trail within a linear corridor, including use for active transportation and recreation, but excluding use by motor vehicles except for construction, and maintenance, of the Trail.” The management plan is being updated through the on-going Regional Trails Management Plan project. The draft plan recognizes the transportation and recreation focus for the trail.
The lease indicates that the BC Transportation Financing Authority (BCTFA) may, on 180 days written notice, terminate or temporarily suspend the lease for all, or any portion, of the Land, if the BCTFA or the Province of BC requires such portion of the Land or improvements for transportation purposes.
PREC-1836360952-4561 Regional Parks Committee – April 20, 2016 Regional Trails – CRD Jurisdiction 2
Lochside Regional Trail
When the former rail lines between Victoria, Patricia Bay, and Sidney were abandoned, they were turned over to the various municipalities along the route as a road allowance, known as Lochside Drive. In some municipalities a road has been developed along the route while in others it remains closed to motor vehicles.
In 1988, the CRD Official Regional Parks Plan included a proposal for a 225 km regional trail route from Swartz Bay (North Saanich) to Point-No-Point (Juan de Fuca Electoral Area), part of which included the 29 km that became the Lochside Regional Trail. At that time, the municipalities were asked to include the regional trail route in their official community plans and partnerships were envisioned for the purpose of developing and maintaining the trail. One of the strategic directions in the 2000 CRD Parks Master Plan was to complete the Lochside Regional Trail and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation use from Swartz Bay to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich and the Town of Sidney developed their respective sections of the trail and a Trail Management Plan was approved by the CRD Board in 2001. The trail Management Plan is being updated through the on-going Regional Trail Management Plan process. The draft plan recognizes the transportation and recreation focus for the trail.
In 2004, a Licence to Use was set up with each of the municipalities that own the Lochside trail corridor. The Licences define permitted uses as “non-motorized multiple uses that are appropriate for a Regional Trail, including walking and bicycling, and horseback riding where expressly permitted, electric wheelchairs and scooters designed for persons with disabilities and motorized trail maintenance service vehicle use.” The Licences establish that the CRD is responsible for off-road sections of the trail and the municipalities are responsible for on-road sections of the trail. There are no transportation-related obligations in the Licences, though they do note that the Licences do not limit or restrict the use of the corridor as public highway (e.g., existing or future use by motorized vehicles on public roads).
The CRD is currently working with the municipalities and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to update the Licences and the recognition of both active recreation and active transportation can be included through this process.
E&N Rail Trail – Humpback Connector
A proposal for a recreational trail along the E&N rail line was first made in 2000. The Township of Esquimalt proposed that a new 3 m wide, 8 km ‘West Side Rail Trail’ be built along the E&N rail line in Victoria, Esquimalt and View Royal to create a 17 km loop route with the Galloping Goose.
In 2006, the CRD became involved with the West Side Trail proposal and took it on as a larger regional trail project, extending the proposed route through Langford to Humpback Road. The project was renamed the E&N Rail Trail – Humpback Connector.
In 2007, the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF), as the owner of the E&N railway corridor, provided the CRD with a Licence of Occupation allowing the CRD to develop and operate a multi-purpose regional park trail for public use adjacent to the rail line. Multi-purpose is defined in the Licence as allowing the public on foot, horseback, bicycle or other non-motorized vehicle or Motor Assisted
PREC-1836360952-4561 Regional Parks Committee – April 20, 2016 Regional Trails – CRD Jurisdiction 3
Cycle. The Licence of Occupation is in effect until August 2032, with a right to renew for an additional 25 year term. The Licence does not include any transportation obligations, but the CRD is required to construct the trail a minimum of 3.25 metres off the centreline of the railway tracks and erect a barrier between the trail and the tracks for safety purposes. The ICF is planning to re-activate rail transportation along the line in the future. A Management Plan for the E&N Rail Trail is being developed through the on-going Regional Trails Management Plan. The draft plan recognizes the transportation and recreation focus for the trail.
Regional Parks Strategic Plan (2012-2021)
The Regional Parks Strategic Plan, approved by the CRD Board in 2012, sets out that regional trails are managed, in part, to provide a non-motorized transportation and recreation cycling and pedestrian route connecting the communities within the capital region and to provide trails for long-distance horseback riding. The Strategic Plan establishes three trail classifications:
Bike and Pedestrian Trails, which are designed primarily to accommodate a high volume of users for recreational and commuting cycling and for walking and running. These trails have major infrastructure and a paved surface.
Multiple Use Trails, which are designed for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The surface will be improved with gravel.
Hiking & Walking Pathways, which are modelled on the pathway system in Great Britain and are single track links between regional and other parks. They are used for walking, running, hiking and where possible, horseback riding.
The Strategic Plan classifies the existing regional trails as follows:
Galloping Goose (from Luxton to Leechtown) – Multiple Use Trail (approximately 35 km) Galloping Goose (from Victoria to Luxton) – Bike and Pedestrian Trail (approximately 20 km) Lochside – Bike and Pedestrian Trail E&N Rail Trail – Bike and Pedestrian Trail
CONCLUSION
The existing Galloping Goose lease, Lochside Licences, and E&N Rail Trail Licence provide the CRD the authority to develop, operate and maintain the three existing regional trails. Over the years, with a broadening of the use on the trails, the CRD has worked to update these tenures to enable the CRD to develop and use these trails for active transportation. The tenures do not oblige the CRD to do so, but allow for it. Each tenure does include reserved rights for the grantors to use their respective corridors for transportation purposes.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Regional Parks Committee refer this staff report to the Transportation Select Committee for information.
Submitted by: Mike MacIntyre, Acting Senior Manager, Regional Parks Concurrence: Larisa Hutcheson, P.Eng., General Manager, Parks & Environmental Services
PREC-1836360952-4561 Regional Parks Committee – April 20, 2016 Regional Trails – CRD Jurisdiction 4
Concurrence: Larisa Hutcheson, P.Eng., Acting Chief Administrative Officer
MW:km
Attachments: Attachment 1: Regional Trails Map
PREC-1836360952-4561 Attachment 1 Regional Trails Regional Parks Committee Staff Report April 20, 2016
Horth Hill Regional Park Lochside Regional Trail Regional Park Galloping Goose Regional Trail Other Park NORTH E&N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector Drinking Water Supply Area SAANICH Regional Trail* (No Public Access) Patrica Bay Major Road First Nation Reserve SIDNEY Local Road Department of National Defence Municipal / Electoral Area Boundary Lake / Reservoir
Coles Bay River / Stream *being developed in phases; not yet complete Regional Park
anich Important This map is for general information purposes only. The Capital Regional District (CRD) makes no representations or Sa warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of this map or the suitability of the map for any purpose. This map is not for Inlet navigation. The CRD will not be liable for any damage, loss or injury resulting from the use of the map or information on the map and the map may be changed by the CRD at any time. 2016-04-20-SR-RPC-RegionalTrails-CRDJurisdiction-Att1.mxd | Parks and Environmental Services | March 2016
Island View Beach Regional Park CENTRAL SAANICH
JUAN DE FUCA ELECTORAL AREA Bear Hill Greater Victoria Regional Haro Water Supply Area Park Strait (No Public Access) Mount Work Land Owned Regional Elk/Beaver Lake For Future Park Regional Park Regional Trail Lone Tree Hill Regional Park
SAANICH Kapoor Regional Park JUAN DE FUCA Sooke Hills ELECTORAL Wilderness HIGHLANDS Leechtown AREA Regional Park Francis/King Reserve Regional Park (No Public Thetis Lake Access) McKenzie Ave Regional Atkins Rd Park Sea to Sea LANGFORD Regional Mill Hill Park Reserve Sooke Regional VIEW Switch Bridge Sooke Hills Park ROYAL Potholes Wilderness Regional Regional Park Reserve Park Mount Wells (No Public Access) Regional Park Selkirk Trestle OAK BAY
ESQUIMALT Sea to Sea VICTORIA Regional Luxton COLWOOD Park Reserve
METCHOSIN Gonzales Hill Regional Park Witty's Lagoon Albert Head Lagoon SOOKE Regional Park Regional Park
Ayum Creek Regional Park Roche Cove Reserve Regional Park Matheson Lake Regional Park Devonian Regional Park
it East Sooke tra Regional a S Park uc e F n d Jua
Kilometres 0 2 4 8
REPORT TO REGIONAL PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016
SUBJECT General Manager’s Report
ISSUE
To provide an update to the Regional Parks Committee on Regional Parks initiatives.
BACKGROUND
Information is provided to update the Regional Parks Committee on current initiatives and issues.
Trans Canada Trail (TCT) – Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail
Construction Tendering The first construction contract was tendered on March 14, 2016. It covered two trail sections, one in the north and one in the south. Two bids were received by the March 30 deadline, however, both were over the Capital Regional District (CRD) budget for these two sections. Staff are re- scoping the contract work and will re-tender the project in May. Due to timing constraints, subject to the approval of the CRD Board Chair, an Award of Contract staff report will be provided directly to the Board at its June meeting. This will allow for construction to begin in July 2016. Additional work will be undertaken over 2016 and 2017 and it is expected that the July 2017 completion target will be met.
TCT Relocation Fund – Split with Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) In 2006, the Ministry of Environment, on behalf of the Province of British Columbia agreed to provide up to $1,200,000 for a joint project between the CRD and the CVRD to facilitate the development of the TCT between Shawnigan Lake and Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park.
The initial $1,000,000 transferred from the Province to the CRD was placed in a fund administered by the CRD, with the final $200,000 to follow upon completion of the project. Both the CRD and CVRD Boards passed motions in February 2016, that the fund be shared in a 60% (CRD) - 40% (CVRD) split.
CRD and CVRD staff have negotiated an agreement to implement the direction in the motions of the respective Boards. Under the agreement, the CRD will transfer $435,600 to the CVRD within 30 days of signing, and agrees to provide 40% of the final payment, or the amount specified in the CVRD final invoice, whichever is smaller, upon completion of the project.
The draft agreement is currently undergoing final legal review. Once finalized, it will be forwarded for the signature of the Chairs of the CVRD and CRD Boards.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Regional Parks Committee receive the General Manager’s report for information.
Submitted by: Larisa Hutcheson, P.Eng., General Manager, Parks & Environmental Services
BH:km
PREC-1836360952-4569 CRD EXECTJTIVE, Ç}F ÈJIGH Receíved
| 2016 175 lngram Street office:25074M1ß 7 Duncan, BC VgL 1NB Fax: 250 746 2513 CVRD www.cvrd,bc,ca Toll Free: 1.800.665.3955
March 11,2016 /^ ls*ø ÚCommunications Capital Regional District GM l€t 625 Fisgard Street For VICTORIA BC V8W 1R7 Committee meeting Attention: Mike Hicks, Ghair to ,lol, Regional Parks Gommittee tLl a^ 1 Dear Mike Hicks: Re: Trans Canada Trail Joint Proiect Fundinq The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) values the collaborative effort with the Capital Regional District (CRD) on the joint initiative to connect the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) over the Maiahat between our respective communities as a major step towards completion of this national trail on southern Vancouver lsland. The CVRD has been working closely with Malahat Nation and other land owners to secure the required trail route from the south end of Shawnigan Lake to the CRD boundary, as well as pursuing funding commitments to undertake construction of the trail prior to the 2017 target to coincide with Trans Canada Trail celebrations planned as part of Canada 150 events. It is understood the Trans Canada Trail Relocation Fund established by the CRD'and Province of British Columbia in 1997 to provide funds for the planning, trail corridor acquisition and construction of a new trail between the CRD and CVRD remains in place to support the Trans Canada Trail connection over the Malahat initiative. From the trail route plan endorsed by both Regional Districts in 2005, the length of trail to be constructed within the CRD represents apfroximately 60 percent of the total trail connection length, with the remaining 40 percent of the route to be built located within the CVRD. Based on this trail route length breakdown, the CVRD's Regional Services Committee and Board have endorsed sharing the funds remaining within the Trans Canada Trail Relocation Fund between the two regional districts on a 60/40 fund sharing basis to assist with completing this significant traii initiative. The CVRD has been successful in securing grant funds from BikeBC and the Trans Canada Trail Foundation for this trail project, which in addition to a 40 percent portion of the Trans Canada Trail Fund and regional parks funds budgeted, will provide the funding necessary over the coming year.
The work to complete the Trans Canada Trail within the CVRD, which we actively market as the Cowichan Valley Trail, remains a high priority of the CVRD Board, given the positive response and use by both our residents and visitors to the region. This includes trail use to the historic KinsolTrestle, which since re-opening in2011 is attracting over 130,000 visits a year.
...t2
COWICHAN VALLEY REGIONAL DISTRICT (o han Mike Hicks
I look fonruard to celebrating completion of this official trail connection between our two communities, as this will provide a major recreation trail link to the extensive regional trail network of the CRD with the expanding trail network here in the Cowichan Valley.
Yours truly,
Kerry Davis, Chair Regional Services Committee
BTF/la pc: Directors CVRD Regional Services Gommittee R. Blackwell, General Manager, Planning and Development B. Farquhar, Manager, Parks and Trails Division
Z:\201 6 Data\Parks & Trails\ManageACha¡r Hicks CRD Regional Parks TCT R€location Fund.Docx