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Getting Trails On Track

By 250 News

Tuesday, August 28, 2007 03:56 AM

 The City of Prince George Trails Task  Force has completed it’s first year of work and has submitted a preliminary report that  presents 6 recommendations.

  1.  The TTF recommends consideration be given to setting aside planning dollars as soon as possible in order to move the UNBC Connector Trailproject forward in the next year or two as a top priority project;
  2. The TTF recommends that the City engage the Prince George Golf and Curling Club (their agents) in such a way as to ensure trails are integrated into the development plan for the new golf course and that these trails are consistent with the intent of the City’s OCP and Trails Master Plan for a greenway and trail connector between Foothills Boulevard/North Nechako Road and the Nechako Ridge Trail Recreation Area (identified in the TrailsMaster Plan as the Nechako Crest Greenway & Rustic Trail);
  3. The TTF recommends that the City set a specific timeline to establish the link connecting the Heritage River Trails System across the Nechako River and to trails on the north side of the River. All options should be explored including utilization of the CN Right of Way. Given the complexity of this challenge the City should assign this task to a senior representative of administration and provide the necessary resources to accomplish the task;
  4. The TTF recommends that the City immediately stress with the Province, the need for full consultation on the new crossing of the Fraser River (Simon Fraser Bridge) to ensure a wide area for pedestrians and cyclists is included across the bridge. The TTF would strongly recommend adherence to current standards with a minimum 3m (preferably 4m) width for pedestrian/cycle connection across the bridge, separated from traffic, and preferably on both sides of the new bridge. It will be equally important for the City to ensure care is taken to plan for easy access on and off the bridge for pedestrian/cycle users to link to current trail  networks on both sides of the river;
  5. The TTF recommends that the City address the ongoing issue of the disconnect between current maintenance standards and the budget that is allocated for this effort with the objective of reaching the $1,000/trail kilometer funding level (as recommended by staff in 2005);
  6. The TTF recommends that the City’s resolution Committee examine the issue of limiting liability for non-profit organizations involved in trail development and management.

There is also a budget attached  for the  consultation process.  That budget is $5 thousand dollars, and  is made up  of $2,500 for advertising and other expenses, and $2,500  to hire two students to conduct surveys, do the analysis and final report.

Prince George City Council has approved the recommendations "in principle."


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Posted on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 03:56 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Comment Posted by: lunarguy on August 28 2007 6:23 AM
I am impressed. ( Takes a lot to do that). I have read so many committee / task force reports that basically have nothing to them but I find this report very good, meaningful and even though I don't use the trail system I sure hope this gets some action by city council. Especially the part about the bridge, seeing as how it hasn't even been designed yet.
Comment Posted by: Chadermando on August 28 2007 7:15 AM
Its a good start, but they have a long way to go. I don't think this city council will take them seriously.

I noticed no talk of the Fraser Flats development area and the need to protect river front trail access.

Also connection to UNBC is quite vague. Do they mean a stair access from Massey apartments to UNBC, or trails along Cranbrook Hill, or trails connecting Moores Meadow to UNBC, or Ginters Field to UNBC, or Beaverly to UNBC, or College Heights to UNBC. They need more specifics as well as a master plan?

What about the Hart area like the McMillin Creek heawaters behind the Valley View reserve? Can it be connected to the system?

I see no talk about trail users and possible trail designations for user groups. For example should we have designated walking trails, as well as designated horse backing trails, as well as designated dirt biking and snow mobiling access areas?

How will TTF market the need for trails; and what will a master plan cost; and where can funds be accessed for such a master plan? Should we have interactive virtual maps so that every person in PG to Tokyo can wonder at PGs many hiden places of natural wonders and thus gain an appreciate for such a project?
Comment Posted by: Chadermando on August 28 2007 7:24 AM
Can we have criminals sentanced to trail work in building to maintenence of a trail network under supervision?

Can locals donate a dedicated bench through an established program?

Do they plan to have garbage cans any time soon?

What about trail maps in the trail network?

What about water access?

Can a trail build incorporate things like canoe landings?

Do all trails have to be built to Vancouver standards, or can some be rough, others be moderate, and yet others paved roadways?

Why do other cities get patrtnership dollars in the millions from senior governemnts for these programs and PG doesn't even apply?

How will these trails relate to and in the future tie into national trail systems like the snowmobile club national trails and the Mackenzie hiking trails ect?
Comment Posted by: bohemian on August 28 2007 10:03 AM
Proper trail systems are a very important amenity people are looking for in the places they live. They are excellent for physical and mental health. I hope council will move quickly with funding for what's in this report.
Comment Posted by: Norm1 on August 28 2007 10:19 AM
Too bad that Chadermando appears to be so negative. Too bad that Chadermando appears to have missed an excellent opportunity to provide knowledgable positive input into the Trails Task Force.

It seems like only yesterday, but it was probably last December, when a very well attended open house was presented at City Hall providing information on the Trails Development for Prince George.

Many interested and trail-positive community members came forth and provided input regarding types of trails....paved, rustic, basic , multi use, garbage containers,trail maintenance etc. etc. etc.

If Chadermando wants to be pro active, a visit to the city of Prince George web site and a search for "trails" will provide much valuable information on the continuing program of Prince George Trails.
Task Force meeting minutes are available there as well as much information, including representation listing of all the special interest groups with a voice in the trail system.

Happy reading and positive involvement.
Comment Posted by: Chadermando on August 28 2007 6:40 PM
Norm Chadermando attended that meeting and did share his views. Chadermando also applied to be on the committee, but was not selected. Chadermando is well aware of the issues and encourages progress, but doesn't see any. If you read what Chadermando had to say you would see he has provided input and ideas.

Is providing input negative or proactive?

Most of the city web site stuff is outdated planning from 15 years ago that never was followed through on, so I would rather see something that is actually being done other than painting road lines on the highways for trail systems. Heck even the so called anchor of the trail system at Cottenwood is half in the river and not maintained.
Comment Posted by: Chadermando on August 28 2007 6:46 PM
Quick Norm name one piece of trail work that has been done in the west part of the bowl over the last 15 years where 50% of PG's population lives.
Comment Posted by: Norm1 on August 28 2007 9:12 PM
The west part of the bowl......let's see. The bowl is a rather urban area. Lots of blacktop. We live in the bowl. Well I suppose the west part of the bowl would likely include the area near Cowart at the foot of Peden Hill.

There is a trail of recent vintage, about 2 years, that runs from Cowart and travels through the cemetery exiting on Lansdowne and or Ferry...your choice. Does that qualify, in your mind, as a trail??

Comment Posted by: Chadermando on August 28 2007 10:46 PM
The grave yard trail was a very expensive trail to nowhere. The same kind of money could have put in a rustic trail along the Fraser River from Cowart to Malispina and all points in between. Thereby ensuring the protection of that area for future park use. Providing access to the river PG is known for to nearly 20,000 people, and importantly saving the walk past dead people and greaving families.

I'd say the grave yard trail was a miss allocation of best dollars spent on a low priority project that has very little use and so should not even be considered part of the trail budget. Also I think it violates greaving peoples rights to some privacy.

West bowl would be walking bridges that span Ochakwin and 5th Avenue canyons with lookout benchs along the crest of Cranbrook Hill connecting UNBC to Blue Rock and Moores Meadow cross country ski trails.

Rebuilding the horse trails that were destroyed by the building of University Way so the kennals have access to Cranbrook Hill.

Providing direct trail access (possibly a large stair case)to the rental units at Ospika and Massey so UNBC can grow with affordable rental units within walking distance of the school.

Connect UNBC to Peden Hill and Parkridge Heights thus protecting those corridors from development.

Connecting Moores Meadow with Wilson Park and also up to the Calidonia Ski Club greenway for the circle tour back to UNBC.
Comment Posted by: Chadermando on August 28 2007 10:52 PM
Of course by the time the studies are done there is usually little money or interest in carrying through with the recommendations anyways. Time to start the next study....
Comment Posted by: Norm1 on August 29 2007 6:51 AM
On August 28th, 2007 at 715 am, Chadermando said, among other things, that"
________________________
"They need more specifics as well as a master plan?"
____________________________________

A visit to the City of Prince George web site, followed by a search using "trails master plan" reveals several city postings. Three of the posting are as follows;

(1) The trails master plan, commissioned in March 1998,completed in Sept. 1998, is available on the site. It is 78 pages long and uses up 32.2 mb. It was posted on July 14, 2005.
(2) There is an update to the master plan following the December 2004 open house which many people attended.
(3) The Trails Task Force terms of reference consisting of 5 pages, posted Nov. 30, 2005 is also available.


It is always easy to criticize.

PS. I am only a city resident and not a city employee.

Happy reading.