Significant safety issues along Duke Road East in Metcohsin have the district council exploring options for a 2.3-kilometre roadside trail. 

A meeting of the Metchosin Parks and Trails Advisory Committee was held in the council chambers on Wednesday, July 31, with 50 residents in attendance, Coun. Jay Shukin said. 

"The overwhelming theme was significant pedestrian safety issues along Duke Road East, if not all of Duke Road." 

The trail plans are still in the feasibility and assessment stage. A $20,000 topographical survey will be conducted to understand road usage better.

"It will give us a really good understanding of the room on the road," Shukin said. "Making sure that we have the municipal property along the side of the road, where the trail would actually go."

After residents flagged concerns about pedestrian safety, the district's council has committed to another round of engagement with the community, Shukin said. 

"It is an ongoing process." 

Adding new trails and pedestrian safety measures will take time, Coun. Shelley Donaldson said.

"It will probably be over a couple of years," Donaldson said.