Council approves funding for Phase 2 of Shoreline Trail Boardwalk Replacement Project

City Council has approved funding for Phase 2 of the Shoreline Trail Boardwalk Replacement Project, a challenging and complex construction project to replace existing end-of-life timber boardwalks and bridges over environmentally sensitive foreshore. 

Phase 1, currently underway, involves the replacement of the boardwalk and gravel trail between Murray Street and Suter Brook Creek. We anticipate this work will be completed by the end of summer 2024, at which time this section of the trail may be partially re-opened to the public. 

Phase 2 will focus on replacement of the boardwalk and gravel trail from the end of Phase 1 at Suter Brook Creek to just past the bridge over Noons Creek. We anticipate this work will begin in summer/fall 2024, with full project completion expected by spring/summer 2025. 

At the end of the design phase for the Shoreline Trail Boardwalk Replacement Project, it became clear that the original approved capital budget of $3.15 million 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, with the approved funding going toward Phase 1 costs. 

“For Phase 2, Council carefully considered construction cost estimates for different design options that would achieve the project’s goals to varying degrees,” said Mayor Meghan Lahti. “Given our strong commitment to public safety, accessibility, and environmental protection, and the need to address sea level rise and reduce ongoing maintenance costs, we have approved $6.2 million in funding to complete all proposed improvements as originally planned for Phase 2. 

“This will not affect property tax rates,” continued Mayor Lahti, “as the funds will be drawn from development contribution-related reserves and a grant received through the B.C. government’s Growing Communities Fund. We are investing in the Shoreline Trail boardwalk so that this landmark structure and community asset is reliable and inclusive for all residents and visitors to enjoy safely for many years to come.” 

Construction costs for the boardwalk replacement project reflect the complications of construction within the foreshore environment including 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. The $6.2 million in approved funding for Phase 2 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. The finished boardwalk will have an extended life with a support structure designed for 75 years. 

Phase 2 will also include a viewing platform with a separate budget of $810,000, with funds coming from the City’s Public Art Reserve and Community Amenity Contributions Reserve. This platform, a collaboration with the In the Presence of Ancestors project, will be the site of a new house post from q̓ic̓əy (the Katzie First Nation). The platform, to be located near the junction of the gravel path and the access trail to Trasolini Field, will allow for safe access to a popular viewpoint while minimizing environmental impact. 

The Shoreline Trail boardwalks were originally constructed by City crews over 30 years ago as part of a larger trail system connecting Rocky Point Park to Old Orchard Park across the tidal mud flats and marshes. The unique wooden structures were aging and frequently covered by water during king tides and storm surges. In 2021, an engineering assessment determined that the boardwalks and bridges would need to be replaced within the next few years. 

Read staff’s July 23, 2024 Report to Council titled “Shoreline Trail Boardwalk Replacement Project – Update,​” or visit portmoody.ca/shorelineboardwalk, for more information.