Capilano Bridge Trail (Southwest) Repair
***The public discussion has concluded and a What We Heard Report is now available.***
Thank you for participating in engagement activities for this project. For any further inquiries regarding this application, please contact the project manager on this page, under the "who's listening" section.
Please review the information on this page. Please share your feedback with us before the end of the day on July 30 2021.
The Capilano Bridge Trail (Southwest) project focuses on an approximately 100 m stretch of paved asphalt trail running along the North Saskatchewan River that is located approximately 250 m west of the Capilano Bridge on the southside of the river.
Please refer to the following maps for the specific location of the affected trail area:
General site location:
Specific trail area to be repaired (for enlarged map, click here):
As a result of a landslide that occurred in the area, the trail has been significantly damaged. The trail is severely cracked and uneven (either raised or sunk) in a number of locations. The landslide was likely triggered by periods of heavy and prolonged rainfall in the summer of 2020. Timber retaining walls that were installed in the 70’s were also damaged and must be replaced. The trail was closed to the public in July 2020 due to safety concerns.
Please refer to the following images to review the trail damage (also available in the photos section on the right side of the page): Photo #1, Photo #2, Photo #3
The goal of this project is to reopen the trail to the public, providing safe access to this area of the river valley. The exact solution will be determined through a combination of City policies and procedures, technical requirements and public input.
Repair Solution
The City investigated a range of options before determining a preferred solution to repair the trail and is looking for public input before proceeding with construction. In determining this solution, the Project Team has taken into account safety, environmental impacts, sustainability, user accessibility and cost. Your comments will be compiled and considered during the environmental assessment. They will also be summarized in a What We Heard report that will be shared in fall 2021.
Preferred Option
The trail remains in its existing location and two retaining walls (one on each side of the trail) will be added to provide stabilization of the failed area. This option is preferred due to the anticipated longevity of the repair, minimal environmental impacts and its lower cost. View an image of the preferred option.
Other options investigated but eliminated are listed below:
Environmental Impact Assessment
To comply with the City of Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan (Bylaw 7188), an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project is being conducted. Your input is important. Please provide any information that you wish the project team to consider regarding the proposed project and associated considerations (in the "share your thoughts" section below).
Construction Timeline
Construction is tentatively planned for spring / summer 2022.
Share Your Thoughts
Please review the Capilano Bridge Trail (Southwest) Repair project information, including the City’s selected repair option. Let us know if you think we've overlooked anything or should consider any other important factors that will inform this project and its environmental impact assessment.
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ADVISE
ADVISE
This means the City asks the public to share feedback and perspectives that are considered for policies, programs, projects, or services.
ROLE OF THE PUBLIC
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I really want the trail usable again as soon as possible and the proposed option looks reasonable.
This trail is critical to the river valley system and should be put back into service as soon as a permanent solution can be implemented. A natural look to the repaired area is important. We don't want something that detracts from the beauty of the area.
As it sits now, the approx. 150m has been in need of repair for nearly a year. To address "possible liability" issues the city fences off 1.3km of trail and denies the users from enjoying this beautiful jewel within the city. The only thing that everyone could safely enjoy during covid was the great outdoors an we (users of this trail) are being denied the use for over 2 YEARS to repair 150m of asphalt?! . The City needs to step up and get this critical corridor repaired sooner than fall of 2022!
The proposed repair approach seems reasonable although rather pricey for such a short section of trail. How do the two options compare in terms of withstanding increases in the river level due to flood events? If you just leave the trail closed, this area is going to turn into the next river valley homeless camp, generating lots of complaints from the homeowners on Roland Road. I am an occasional user and would like to see it reopen eventually.
I agree with the preferred repair method. It preserves the surrounding environment while returning the trail access as quickly as possible.
I agree with your prefered repair method. The sooner the better. Along with being a popular trail it is also a busy commuter route.
The idea of having 2 retaining walls is a good idea. Hopefully you will add some sort of drainage for the excessive water when we get the rain. What about the hiking trail next to the river that runs along the golf course that one has been closed for years. Maybe look at fixing that trail at the same time.
When I was hiking River Valley trails regularly, groups would often hike damaged trail sections despite warning signs and attempts at fencing off bad parts put up by the City of Edmonton. The damaged sections would be left that way for months or years. The solution is to repair damaged trail sections soon after they are damaged so they at least become safe again. I like the proposed option in this case.
I agree with the preferred option. However I find it interesting the other options are already eliminated - there’s really only one option. Hopefully the work is completed by fall 2021.
I like the preferred option. Important to maintain this trail.
Full support to complete the project. The trail is a valuable asset to the community and city and is well used.
It was a good idea and much needed. The parking lot in Capilano kept flooding. Hopefully that is fixed. The lack of communication was annoying at best and inconsiderate. Several people came to use the boat launch and found it closed only upon arrival. As a resident of capilano, I would hope for better communication from the city. Glad the trails are finally being looked after. The off leash needs the poop bags replenished. It is not a point of Covid Transmission concern as you only touch the bag and nothing else. And these locations are outdoors (small risk of transmission). Other places (cities and counties) have the bags available to pet owners.
spread some gravel, level the buckled asphalt, open up the trail. then your engineering department can do studies to their hearts content and waste the maximum amount of tax payer money possible. in the mean time let people use the trail.
The way you’ve presented it, your preferred option is the only one that makes sense, so please move ahead with it ASAP. I’m disappointed this trail has been closed for so long, and the solution seems pretty straightforward. Is there some way to move ahead more quickly and open sooner? It’s a really important connector!
I think that this plan is the best solution for this trail repair. I've been very saddened about the trail closure as it is an area that I'd otherwise love to walk with my family and miss that opportunity greatly. This trail adds a lot to my enjoyment of the neighbourhood and I really value its existence.
I would agree with the suggested option. I have lived in this area for over 30 years and have been a frequent user of the trail. I would much prefer keeping cost down and not damaging existing vegetation. Hopefully can proceed asap as we would all like to get back to our trail time.
Thanks
This is a significant trail used all year round by many people. The City has a solution for a 100 m repair and it’s taking over two years to repair? Now the City is wasting more time and tax payers money printing colourful information cards, delivered to mailboxes, for our input. Please just start the project so we can get our river valley corridor back.
Sounds like a great solution
I feel that the option of two retaining wall would be the best way to go.