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Volunteer crew ‘bushwhacking’ Expo Trail to Oyster Bay Road

Longer range plans include landscaping and installation of solar powered lights
48066ladysmith04-BillDrysdale
Bill Drysdale

Ready or not, here we come!

That was the message Expo Trail Stewardship Committee representative Bill Drysdale had for Ladysmith council at their Aug. 15 meeting.

But he’s hoping council will be ready with some help getting the trail between the town, the Expo Legacy Building, and the Ladysmith Community Marina into better shape.

“We have taken it upon ourselves to start bushwhacking,” Drysdale said during his presentation. “Clearly we’ve got a problem and we intend to fix it.”

First, the stewardship committee wants to get a ‘clear line of site’ down the trail from below Highway 1, past the old railway station, to the small amphitheatre by the Expo Building.

There also needs to be adequate signage, so people  will realize there is access between the town and Oyster Bay Road, below the E&N rail line.

Longer range plans include landscaping and installation of solar powered lights. “Our long term plan is to actually trim the trees along the path and build another lookout,” Drysdale said.

As well as support from the Town of Ladysmith, approvals will have to be sought from the Island Corridor Foundation, which has jurisdiction over the railway right of way, and the Ministry of Highways.

Clean up and brushing by the old railway station will be needed, Drysdale said, for security and because there is a risk that the building might be damaged by falling branches or trees.

Getting the work done will take time, Drysdale said. “This is not something we are going to get done in the next six months, but the only way it’s going to get done is to get started, so that’s what we’re doing.”

Drysdale’s presentation was referred to city staff for a report back to council.

 





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