Ottawa provides $17 million for environmental and cultural protection changes along trail in Pacific Rim National Park

The 25-kilometre long ʔapsčiik t̓ašii multi-use trail in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is scheduled to open in 2020. Photo courtesy Parks Canada.

Parks Canada says it is spending $17 million for design changes to a multi-use trail in Pacific Rim National Park to protect Indigenous environmental and cultural heritage.

The 25-kilometre long ʔapsčiik t̓ašii trail is located on traditional lands of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, partnering with Parks Canada on the project.

The redesign of the trail is the result of a number of archeological sites and species at risk identified by Indigenous people along the route during environmental, engineering, archaeological and traditional-use studies.

Parks Canada says the studies helped adapt a trail design to protect sensitive features.

Environment Minister Catherine McKenna said the collaboration with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ is part of the government’s efforts towards reconciliation.

The ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee) multi-use trail will extend from the southern to the northern boundary of the Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

The trail name translates to “going in the right direction on the trail”.

It is scheduled to open in 2020.

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