The District of Squamish has locked down $70,300 worth of land to add to the community's trail system.
On Tuesday (Dec. 18), the municipality reached an agreement with Richard Hunter to buy two parcels of property located between Hospital Hill in Valleycliffe and the Upper Mamquam Blind Channel.
“This is a very worthwhile investment for Squamish, enabling us to secure access to a trail currently referred to as the 'Hunter Trail' or 'Valleycliffe Connector Trail,' a key east-west pedestrian connection between downtown and the residential areas of Valleycliffe and Hospital Hill,” Mayor Rob Kirkham said in a statement issued on Thursday (Dec. 20).
The private trail, which offers a shortcut from Valleycliffe to downtown, sees a high volume of pedestrian traffic, district spokesperson Christina Moore wrote in an email. Although it's a more direct route than the paved Corridor Trail, safety issues on the path have been a concern, she noted.
The district will explore safety improvements on the trail to enhance residential use, Kirkham said. Future improvements to the trail will be considered during the 2013 budget process. Council will officially name the pathway in the New Year.
“I’d like to express appreciation to Mr. Hunter for recognizing the value of his property to the community, and assisting in making this purchase possible,” Kirkham added.
