Plans for a $7-million expansion of the Coquitlam Crunch that would eventually see the trail extend from Eagle Mountain to Mundy Park and Colony Farm received an initial endorsement Monday from city council.
The project would be built in phases over the next five years, according to a staff report, with detailed budgets provided to council for each section.
For example, a new washroom facility at Lansdowne Drive, a paved parking lot for 60 vehicles, benches and other furnishings, water fountains and new pedestrian crossings are expected to cost $2.5 million and could be built between 2018 and 2019. The initial phase would also include a viewing area and outdoor exercise equipment.
“It is a multi-year strategy to expand what has become probably… one of the most popular amenities,” said Raul Allueva, the city’s general manager of parks, recreation and culture. “It is certainly synonymous with Coquitlam.”
Last spring, the city conducted a survey of Crunch users to determine what could be done to improve it. According to a staff report, the most frequent request was for a restroom, with more site furnishings, benches and drinking fountains coming in second.
Some respondents expressed concerns about loose and slippery trail surfacing while others said they would like to see a dog off-leash area and outdoor exercise equipment.
The staff report noted that the second phase, which would be included in the 2019 budget, would cost approximately $1.5 million, with possible construction starting in 2020.
That money would be pay for trail improvements between Eagle Mountain and Lansdowne drives while adding a washroom and paved parking for 30 vehicles. It would also cover the cost of twinning the trails between Guildford Way and Runnel Drive, creating a looped circuit, while adding signage, trail markers and furnishings.
The third phase — at $3 million, it would be the most expensive — would see the Crunch connect with Barnet Highway and a green space on the south side of Dewdney Trunk Road, going up the hill before connecting with Mundy Park.
The work would be in the 2020 budget, with possible construction expected between 2021 and 2022. “These are big projects,” said Allueva. “These are significant amenities and amenity extensions.”
Water main work is currently underway along the trail route and is expected to be completed in the spring.
In order to keep the trail open, a new permanent second set of stairs was built and is expected to be open this month. When the water main work is completed, the old stairs will be rebuilt, twinning the steps in what the city said is the most popular section of the amenity.
@gmckennaTC
