One family's goal to rebuild part of a popular North Shore trail has moved a step closer to fruition.
The District of North Vancouver has approved $50,000 towards the Boyer family's Baden Powell Memorial Connector - a 500-metre section of trail that runs along Indian River Drive - as part of its latest budgeting process.
"Realigning this portion of the Baden Powell Trail has been on our project list for a while," said Mayor Richard Walton. "Now that the funding partnership has presented itself, this is the ideal time to move forward with construction of the connector."
The Boyer family approached the district in October 2013, proposing the changes to the trail in memory of their son, David, who took his life in February 2013. David battled mental illness but was happiest when out on the trails.
"We are so close to making this trail safer and more enjoyable for the thousands of people who enjoy it every year," said Boyer's father, David. "The contribution from the District of North Vancouver puts our goal within reach. David Jr. would be so proud."
The changes would take the trail away from the busy road and include construction of a 15-metre clear-span walking bridge over Francis Creek. Work also entails the addition of two smaller bridges and clearing of part of an old skid road to create a meandering trail.
The connector will terminate at a crosswalk near the water tower on Indian River Drive.
The budget for the project is estimated at between $125,000 and $150,000. The Boyer family, as of mid-April, had raised more than $50,000 towards that total.
Construction starts on June 14 and continues on July 12 and 26. Trailbuilding volunteers can offer their services and donations can be mate at bpmemorialconnector. com. The district will be issuing tax receipts for all contributions over $10.
