Residents of Nanaimo will benefit from $60,000 in provincial funding for upgrades to Linley Valley trail.
The trail is located between the Departure Bay-Hammond Bay and Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park area and includes a vast trail network that connects forests to fields and rocky hills, said a press release from the government. Hundreds of people use the trails for daily hiking, biking and wildlife viewing and the $60,000 of forestry enhancement program money will be spent on trail upgrades that include trail resurfacing, enhanced drainage and improved stream flow.
The program supports workers and contractors that were impacted by downturns in the forestry sector, the press release said.
B.C. NDP area MLAs were pleased to provide the money for the upgrades.
“The pandemic has impacted all of us and our government is working hard to support people now and into the future,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Nanaimo MLA, in the press release. “This funding will provide jobs to people and families employed in the forestry sector while making our backyard a better place to work, live, and play.”
“COVID-19 has increased demand for quality outdoor recreation sites,” added Doug Routley, Nanaimo-North Cowichan MLA. “Investing in our urban forests makes nature more accessible for everyone to enjoy and will create local employment opportunities.”
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