It’s the final connection for a Powell River recreational trail.
The city will apply for a federal government grant (Active Transportation Fund) to build the third phase of a trail through Brooks high school, connecting Maple and Sycamore Streets to the Mid-Level Connector.
The grant would cover 60 per cent of the $725,000 project. It was originally $975,000 but an updated estimate lowered the price. If approved, the other 40 per cent would come from the city’s Community Works Fund.
Planning Director Jason Gow says the school district has wanted the connector for some time.
“There’s a parking lot to the very east side of that property, adjacent to the turf field and what’s being proposed is a three meter wide paved surface along that stretch of the parking area. Movement of the parking stalls themselves and some realignment of lighting and such, raised crosswalk,” Gow told council Thursday night (Feb. 20).
Gow adds it would solve a couple of issues through the property.
“It’s not only an active school site but through many active hours of the evening, the turf is being used by many people in the community. So, this would ensure that there’s a separation between vehicles, cyclists and pedestrian activity through the site,” Gow added.
Building the section from the high school to the recreation center (the second phase) is already underway and the Maple and Sycamore Safe Streets Project is already done.
Council approved the grant application Thursday night.
The application has to be submitted by Wednesday (Feb. 26).
The city still has to negotiate an agreement with the qathet School District about who is responsible for maintenance and upkeep as well as access, considering it’s school land.
