There are now 60 spaces at the Lansdowne Drive parking lot for more hikers to access the Coquitlam Crunch and reduce on-street parking in local neighbourhoods.
Now what?
Well, according to the city, this signals the start of the next phase — the third of the project — to extend the south side of the popular trail.
Earlier this year, local residents presented their thoughts and ideas on what expansion improvements they'd like to see the Coquitlam Crunch in the years to come.
In a news release, the city explains a team is currently working on early designs for the southside extension connecting with Mundy Park, which would see the trail run south of Barnet Highway from Dewdney Trunk and up the slope to Mariner Way.
"The Coquitlam Crunch Trail and Expansion Plan ultimately envisions that the Coquitlam Crunch Trail would eventually connect to Eagle Mountain in the north and reach the Fraser River to the south, enhancing the city’s parks network and outdoor recreation offerings," says Jonathan Jackson, acting city manager of park planning and design.
Public input is expected to be called on later this fall.
On average, the Crunch welcomes about 52,000 users per month during peak seasons as it provides more than 240 metres of elevation gain — and this likely increased as the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged more people to spend time outdoors.
Jackson adds the ultimate goal by the project's end is to expand the trail's capacity.
Thus far, the city has completed the following improvements:
- Installing a digital sign to provide real-time available stall counts that will help reduce idling and in-and-out traffic
- Trail improvements south of the parking lot to provide a direct connection for pedestrians to the Guildford Way crosswalk
- Building a new paved pathway on the west side of the parking lot access road
- Building new gravel trails to connect the parking lot to the existing Crunch trails
For more information and to provide input on the Coquitlam Crunch South Extension, you're encouraged to visit the city's website.
