Shoreline Trail Boardwalk Replacement Project

Rebuilding the boardwalks requires specialized construction methods, with only works controlled by regulatory authorities permitted in this environmentally sensitive area.

To limit new disturbances, the design of the boardwalks largely follows the existing trail path. Specialized construction materials and methods include the use of helical piles to reduce disturbances to the marsh during installation. Construction equipment is being kept off the environmentally sensitive area through a top-down, or build-as-you-go, approach.

The rustic feeling and unique shape of the current boardwalks are a well-loved community feature for residents. Careful consideration has been given to developing a boardwalk design that captures the feel of this natural location and the current ambiance of this popular area.

Multiple design options were considered to determine an approach that is adaptable to climate change and meets the unique archeological and environmental construction considerations of this area.

At the end of the design phase for the Shoreline Trail Boardwalk Replacement Project, it became clear that the original approved capital budget would not be enough to complete the whole project. This was due to the escalation of construction costs, which has been a nationwide issue over the past several years, as well as the complexity of the project, with challenging site conditions requiring specialized construction methods. For this reason, the project was split into two phases.

The complexities of construction within the foreshore environment include working with structurally challenging soils and the need to minimize environmental impact. Geotechnical pile testing conducted early in Phase 1 found actual soil conditions to be different (i.e. much softer) from expected conditions. It was determined that a modified pile design would be needed for all areas of the project to ensure the finished structure would not settle adversely over time. The modification involved driving more and much longer steel piles (about 50 feet, two times longer than original design) into the soft soils. This change to the work had a significant impact on costs.

The approved budget for Phase 1 works, which includes $495,000 in funding from the Government of Canada’s Pacific Economic Development Agency (PacifiCan), was increased to $3.95 million from $3.15 million.

For Phase 2, the approved budget is $6.2 million, which will allow the City to replace the full 440 metres of boardwalk, bridge, and gravel trail and provide an accessible facility that protects the environmentally sensitive foreshore, reduces the risks associated with sea level rise, and reduces ongoing maintenance costs. Funds will be drawn from development contribution-related reserves and a grant received through the B.C. government’s Growing Communities Fund.

The viewing platform, part of Phase 2 works, has a separate budget of $810,000, with funds coming from the City’s Public Art Reserve and Community Amenity Contributions Reserve.

Approximately 10 trees will be removed because they are in poor health, or they are within the boundary of the work area. Trees will be removed using environmentally sustainable practices and will be chipped and turned into topsoil. As per the City’s Corporate Tree Management Policy on City Property, each tree will be replaced at a 2:1 ratio. This means that for every single tree that is removed, two new trees will be planted in its place. Trees will be replanted on sections of the trail and locations near the boardwalk. 

Apple tree arch

The iconic arch found north of Suter Brook Creek at the start of the phase 1 project area was reviewed by a professional arborist and staff during the design stages of the project. Further staff review and monitoring revealed that the archway had originally formed when a main branch from the tree split and fell over the trail. The tree was found to be in a very poor condition and the arch itself would present a safety hazard if left in place. The project team made a difficult decision to prune back the damaged sections of the tree, while maintaining as much as possible. This work was completed in March 2024. 

Photo 1: Photo showing significant decay in the stems that have been removed.
Photo 2: Photo showing a crack in the stem of the remaining part of the tree, with daylight visible through the trunk.

Chocolate lily plant salvage

The existing gravel trail within the Phase 1 project area is home to chocolate lilies which are of cultural significance to local First Nations. As part of the planning stages of the project, the locations of any chocolate lilies within the project area were mapped and any plant in conflict with the new construction was identified for relocation. The project team transplanted affected lilies in March and April 2024 to their new home along the same section of trail where they were found.

Updating the infrastructure provides an opportunity to consider ways in which the project can enhance this environmentally sensitive area. Through the raised boardwalk design and improvements at the Inlet viewpoint, unsafe access to the mudflats can be better controlled to help decrease damage to this critical ecosystem. The final project design also considers options that contribute to environmental restoration, such as relocating bridge abutments outside of creeks, removing invasive plants, plant salvage, and ecological restoration of the salt-water marsh.

Photo above: With rising sea levels due to climate change, the diagram above shows how the raised boardwalk will accommodate increasing high tides and the projected King Tide level for 2050. 

Photo above by Romas Simonelis

King tides and storm surges frequently cover the boardwalks with water and flood the connecting gravel trails, resulting in temporary closures, damage to the structures and increased maintenance. The new boardwalk will be raised to ensure it is adaptable to climate change and rising sea levels. Railings will be added for additional safety with the increased boardwalk height.

The mudflats, which can be as deep as eight feet, are unpredictable, can give way suddenly, and can even act like quicksand in some areas. The raised boardwalk design and improvements at the Inlet viewpoint will better manage access to the mudflats to increase the safety of trail users and their pets.

Redesigning the boardwalk provides opportunities to improve trail user accessibility. The widths of the boardwalks will be increased, and at the access points at each end of the boardwalk section of the trail, the grade can also be reduced and steps removed where possible.

The new boardwalk design provides opportunities to improve the trail experience for community initiatives including education and outreach programs through environmental stewardship groups, and community-based nature and observation events that take advantage of the intact tidal marshes, mudflats, and the wildlife that depends on these features (e.g. birds, fish, deer, coyotes, bears, and rare plants).