Learn about Shoreline Trail boardwalk replacement at outdoor pop-ups June 22 and 24

The City of Port Moody is hosting two outdoor information pop-ups for residents who would like to learn more about the Shoreline Trail Boardwalk Replacement Project. Join us on June 22 or June 24, 2023 to gain valuable knowledge about the project, explore display boards featuring renderings of the Shoreline Trail boardwalk design, and ask questions.

What: Shoreline Trail Boardwalk Replacement Project outdoor information pop-ups

When: Thursday, June 22 from 6pm to 8pm and Saturday, June 24 from 10am to 12 noon

Where: Murray Street (3200 block), between Klahanie Drive East and Klahanie Drive West, where the sidewalk splits off from the section of the trail that leads to Rocky Point Park

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. These unique wooden structures are aging and are frequently covered by water during king tides and storm surges. In 2021 an engineering assessment determined that the boardwalks and bridges will need to be replaced within the next few years, and City staff began the process of planning for this trail renewal.

Redesigning and replacing the boardwalks provides a valuable opportunity to bring improvements to this popular area. These include:

• safety – the new boardwalk will be raised and include railings to improve safety and ensure it is adaptable to rising sea levels due to climate change;
• accessibility – design elements, such as widening the boardwalks and reducing the grade of the path where it connects with bridges, will improve accessibility for trail users;
• longevity – the new boardwalk is designed to ensure the infrastructure has a long lifespan;
• ecosystem rehabilitation – considerations include reducing unsafe access to the mudflats to minimize damage to this critical ecosystem, and environmental restoration such as relocating bridge abutments outside of creeks, removing invasive plants, plant salvage, and ecological restoration of the salt-water marsh; and
• support for community initiatives – increased opportunities for education and outreach programs for local stewardship groups, as well as community-based nature and observation events.

Construction is scheduled to start in the fall of 2023 pending completion of all steps in the planning process and receipt of favourable tenders from qualified contractors. Construction timing will follow environmental regulations.

For more information about the Shoreline Trail Boardwalk Replacement Project, please visit portmoody.ca/shorelineboardwalk. On the project web page, you’ll also find an online comment form, which you can use to submit a question or share a comment.