Residents of Squamish don't want a piecemeal approach to the Corridor Trail, according to the results of an open house held last month.The open house showed that community members want the entire route linking the Stawamus Chief to Depot Road created at once, even if it means using a rough finish like gravel instead of pavement."The overwhelming opinion is that they'd like to see it built from end to end," said trails coordinator Todd Pope. According to the report, 68 per cent of questionnaire respondents agreed that it was necessary to complete the trail in its entirety and upgrade over time. Sixty-six questionnaires were completed.Coun. Patricia Heintzman and Pope presented the results at a District of Squamish council strategy session on Tuesday (May 27). Heintzman said the whole trail could be create for about $500,000 to $600,000 but said it would cost another $1.5 million to pave it.The trail seems to be equally important to residents across town as the surveys showed relatively equal representation from neighbourhoods including Garibaldi Estates, Valleycliffe and Brackendale. However, community members of North Yards, Dentville and the downtown did not turn out in high numbers, making up only eight per cent of survey respondents.Using large maps on display throughout council chambers, Heintzman showed which routes were most popular with residents.The preferred route would take cyclists and pedestrians along the highway starting at the Chief to Rose Park, at which point it would connect with Loggers Lane. Once passed Brennan Park, the trail would travel past the dyke then parallel the highway until Garibaldi Way where it would shoot behind Alpen Lofts and follow the CN railway corridor with a highway crossing by North Road. At this area, people could either follow the highway to Depot Road or possibly fork into Brackendale.The ability to stick to this route depends on cooperation with landowners, construction costs and space requirements.The district is still waiting to learn whether an overpass salvaged from Centennial Way could be used for a passing by North Road.Heintzman said that while the district saved several hundred thousand on the overpass material, it would still cost about $500,000 to erect it in its new location.Pope said the area is already used as an active crossing, but the section would be much more dangerous to cross once the highway expansion is complete.When asked about extra amenities on the trail, community members kept the wish list simple. Bear bins and dog bag dispensers came out on top, beating some pricier items such as washrooms and water fountains.Construction of the trail will begin this summer starting with the section between the Adventure Centre and Mamquam Road. Council unanimously endorsed the route and supported the formation of a new trail committee to oversee its creation. The corridor trail committee, which has about 20 members, will have one more meeting, then be disbanded to form a the smaller one."I can't say enough about the corridor trail committee," said Heintzman. "I think they did a great job."
