Did you know that the population of metro Vancouver in 1980 was 1,247,000?
Did you know that today in 2021, it is 2,606,000?
That is a 109% increase!
I mention these stats because, for decades, our provincial government has not been giving the funds needed to operate efficiently: to keep up to the increased demands of our booming society, to build more trails, much less to maintain what is already there.
I have to ask the question of BC Parks and our present government: how many new trails have been built in these past 40 years?
Opportunity for forward-thinking
Finally, after decades, work is being done to implement the n, for the park that straddles Coquitlam and Maple Ridge. Here is a fantastic opportunity for BC Parks to implement the new master plan, trails, huts, other initiatives, including First Nations.
As a matter of interest, First Nations have indicated they are very much on side with trails in the northern part of Pinecone Burke.
Of course, nothing would be done right away, possibly not for years, but the framework would work.
Last year,) members put forward a document to BC Parks called the . This document put forward the idea of changing Garibaldi Park’s master plan to add more trails, and the possibility of a hut or two.
The club was and still is trying to be a help to BC Parks by coming up with ideas and suggestions.
Safety
Last but most important is the safety factor. We have all seen the huge spike in search and rescue calls last year and we have found way too many unprepared people on our club’s Watersprite Trail. Way too many.
One of our club members did have the people at our trailhead last September long weekend to do the club’s bit to try to educate people.
Many hikers who used to go on easy BC Parks’ trails were venturing to new unexplored places because BC Park trails were either closed or because they couldn’t get a day-pass.
The Watersprite Trail is not necessarily for beginners. It is challenging, and as mentioned, many hikers are unprepared for it.
David ScanlonBCMC member
