Squamish might be on the receiving end of a multi-use hiking trail stretching the entire length of the Sunshine Coast if the province accepts a $1.2 million trust fund application from the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD).
The trail would link Langdale and Earls Cove ferry terminals and turn into an advanced alpine hiking trail in the Tantalus Range before connecting to the Sea to Sky Trail, which is expected to reach all the way north to D'Arcy, said SCRD park planning co-ordinator Sheane Reid.
"It would connect Langdale to the alpine toward Squamish around the Lake Lovely Water area as well," said Reid.
The trail between Langdale and Squamish would be completed during the project's final phase in about three years at a projected cost of $200,000.
The SCRD applied for the money from the community development trust fund (CDTF), which was set up by the Ministry of Community Development to support economically impacted forestry communities. The project would employ 12 to 18 forestry workers and Sechelt Indian Band members to build the trail, according to Reid's plan. The trail would include areas to pitch tents and helicopter pads in case of an emergency evacuation.
Discussions have yet to begin with the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD), the District of Squamish or the Squamish Nation but if the province accepts the grant there will be extensive community consultation - particularly when it comes to using Squamish Nation lands, said Reid.
"We want to be working closely with the Sechelt First Nations and also the Squamish First Nations because it crosses over their traditional territories, so they are key partners in this project. I'm looking forward to meeting with them to discuss the proposal," he said.
Neither SLRD's trails technician Allison Macdonald nor local trails advocate Coun. Bryan Raiser had heard of the idea before being contacted. However, they both said the concept sounds promising.
"I really enjoy the words alpine and trail and when you put them together I'm a happy guy," said Raiser. "I definitely look forward to finding out more information about it, that's for sure."
