At the end of this month, the District of Metchosin will host a community input session to hear from the residents about a proposed pedestrian-only trail development. 

If approved, the trail would run alongside Duke Road East, and could help improve pedestrian safety.

B次元官网网址淒uke Road East runs through an area containing one of the highest concentration of homes in Metchosin,B次元官网网址� Metchosin councillor Jay Shukin said in an email. B次元官网网址淩oad shoulders are narrow or do not exist on many sections of the road. We believe that a roadside trail will help improve safety and safe passage, especially for those who are walking.B次元官网网址� 

Some residents are in favour of the proposed development, while others have expressed concerns about the projectB次元官网网址檚 feasibility. 

"WeB次元官网网址檝e had two petitions regarding this trail project B次元官网网址� one that was enthusiastically supportive of a trail, and one that asked us to reconsider the project until more information was shared and there was clarity on costs and alignment with strategic plans,B次元官网网址� said Shukin. 

In 2023, the district conducted a feasibility assessment for this project and identified a number of development challenges, including steep slopes and narrow shoulders on either side of the road.

"ThereB次元官网网址檚 also a creek that goes under the road through an established culvert in one section," said Shukin. "So, opportunities and challenges."

Construction would occur in multiple phases over several years.

According to Shukin, the districtB次元官网网址檚 committee responsible for the project said the trail along the southern part of the road would cost approximately $10,000. It couldn't provide a full breakdown of costs at this time.