September 2023

In attendance

Colin, Leon, Dragana, Colleen, Keagan

Report of the Trails & Greenways Representative

• Re: Great Blue Heron Way and Experience the Fraser, both intended to be cycleways.
• Experience the Fraser is under Destination BC, localized into smaller groups. Pathways on both sides of the Fraser River.
  • Destination BC has taken over Experience the Fraser and engaged Victoria-based mapping consultant to determine routing, based as much as possible on existing pathways.
    • Much of the routing was placed on the Trans-Canada Trail, but discontinuous following the Port Mann Bridge.
    • Leon is working with the consultant to finalize pathways. Intention is to build greenways for recreational cyclists.
    • Current work involves lobbying relevant bodies regarding the Patullo Bridge project to improve connections, as well as TransLink regarding their redevelopment of the Vancouver bus depot to get a waterfront pathway.
    • Successes include the Discovery Trail in Abbotsford, Spirit Trail on the North Shore, and others.
• Great Blue Heron Way intended to connect First Nations communities throughout Lower Mainland.

Guildford Greenway Ride

• Colleen suggests hosting the victory ride during Go By Bike Week

Action Item: Colin to liaise with City of Coquitlam regarding expected timeline for substantial performance

Belcarra Assessment Ride

• Watson Road Maze Gate is slated to be removed despite previous municipal objections based on liability reasons.
• Consultant report used Colleen’s standards and documents to prepare 3 options:
  • 1. Remove one side
  • 2. Move one side over and remove vegetation
  • 3. Turn route into chicane and pave ($130,000)
• Municipality has not removed maze gates yet. Colleen has diligently been checking with Belcarra and discussing with signage companies.

Springboard Trail Review

• Following Colleen’s assessment report, Metro Van has prepared a timeline of rectifications.
  • Areas where obstacles such as rocks needed to be moved have been corrected
  • Winter work this year will include removing baffles (maze gates) in favour of bollards, removing one baffle, or change to double-swing gate.
  • Resurfacing for major defects in trail will occur over winter.
  • Bowser Rd Trail to be rehabilitated within 2 years.
  • Re: vehicle parking: Metro Van notes more guests arriving by bus or alternative transportation. Metro Vancouver will not remove vehicle overflow parking that blocks the trail in the interim but continues to monitor.

Maze Gate Design Guidelines

• Maze gates may be in other cities' design guidelines

Action Item: Colin to reach out to Port Moody and Port Coquitlam regarding their design standards