Throughout the autumn I wrote of a number of different issues and concerns that relate to our trail network in Squamish, but I never really tapped into one fairly influential matter that affects the community. Land use in town, and more to the point the land that the trails we鈥檙e so fond of exist on, is granted to us under a range of different agreements. At times these agreements can become moving targets, which really is to be expected, but for what it鈥檚 worth, Squamish is incredibly lucky to have such understanding businesses, individuals and organizations working with our trail advocates in an effort to enrich one of our greatest assets 鈥� the trails.
From Crown land to the Squamish Nation鈥檚 umbrella lands to private land owners and even B.C Parks, our trail network winds through the full array of land parcels, often little to an individual rider鈥檚 knowledge. Even with these agreements in place, it seems as though every year there are still threats put on the trail network, challenging local groups and volunteers into deeper discussions related to upcoming changes, in order for the agreements to appease all parties involved.
More recently there is a development proposed within the trail network off Depot road to the west of Highway 99 鈥� the Cheekye Fan trail network, or dump trails to some. The development will require a rezoning application and amendment to the District of Squamish鈥檚 Official Community Plan in order to go ahead. If the district approves, the Squamish Nation will purchase the land, which is currently designated as Crown land, from the provincial government. The more immediate threat however is the solution that came from the environmental assessment for the development. As a result the community looks to potentially lose trails down in the Dead End Loop area, as a 45-foot-high breakwall will be built across the span of the Cheekye River.
The breakwall is to prevent as much community damage as possible should a landslide happen off Dalton Dome. But riders are concerned about the potential loss of trails. This area houses the only trails located right in the valley floor, making it a great place for novice and less energetic riders to cut their teeth, not to mention the great amount of runners and general outdoor enthusiasts who use the terrain to get outside for a walk.
Recently there has been machinery in the area performing a geotechnical assessment in an effort to establish whether the earth in the area is suitable to be used to build up the wall. It seems crazy to think we may destroy an entire piece of forest for a wall in an area that it is hard to believe anything suitable would exist for such a large project, but admittedly I am no expert on the matter in any way.
Some Squamish residents are looking at more uncontrolled and less desirable changes to the trail network, with this wall pitched to begin construction in 2016 and then the potential development in the Cheekeye fan surely soon to follow. These are the latest items that should cause users of the network to seek and be provided with more information regarding developments that affect the community. One thing is certain, and it absolutely relates to the trails that we take advantage of day in and day out: The only constant is change.
