The Cowichan Valley Regional District has received $459,000 from the B.C. government to create a new parking area and improve the entrance to the Kinsol Trestle.
The Kinsol Trestle Gateway Project aims to address the increasing demand for access to the trestle by replacing the existing 35-vehicle parking lot with a 100-vehicle lot.
The parking lot will also be moved out of a residential area to an area off Renfrew Road that has direct access to the site.
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“The Kinsol Trestle remains the most popular attraction in our region, for residents and tourists alike, and this project will better support the increased recreational demand we have seen in recent years,” said Lori Iannidinardo, chair of the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
“As a key point along the Cowichan Valley Trail, this new parking area will reduce traffic in a rural residential neighbourhood while improving capacity for people to experience this magnificent multi-use trail.”
The new parking lot will include limited parking for buses and recreational vehicles. The layout also includes room for a future accessible washroom.
The existing parking lot on Glen Eagles Road will be converted to a day-use area with picnic tables, signage and naturalized landscaping.
This project is part of the $21.3 million the B.C. government invested in tourism projects around the province as part of the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program.
A full list of projects funded through this program can be found on the government’s website.
The public is invited to a virtual information session on Mar. 2 at 6 p.m. for an overview of the project, and to ask questions.
Laura Brougham
