North Shore Spirit Trail

The District of West Vancouver is implementing the first phase of the Spirit Trail greenway, a key feature of the District’s Cycling Network and Greenway Plan, adopted by Council in 2007. The Plan was developed with community participation and input, and is a key component of the District’s Transportation and Mobility goals in the Official Community Plan.

Vision
The North Shore Spirit Trail will connect Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay, providing a multi-use pathway across the North Shore communities, including District of North Vancouver, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, City of North Vancouver, Squamish Nation, and the District of
West Vancouver. (download West Vancouver map as PDF)

In West Vancouver, the Spirit Trail will be a greenway serving as the backbone of our local cycling network, and will provide a continuous and relatively flat connection between the Lion’s Gate Bridge and Horseshoe Bay.

The Spirit Trail has broad appeal. At community planning workshops the greenway was the most requested bicycle route.

Because of its safe design away from busy roads, and its convenient routing close to the waterfront, parks, shopping areas, and major community facilities, the Spirit Trail will be an attractive facility for cyclists, pedestrians, in-line skaters, and other users.

Phase One

Use of the Spirit Trail will be highest at the eastern end of the greenway, adjacent to Park Royal Shopping Center, Ambleside, and Dundarave, where the greenway will be very accessible and convenient to use.

This section of the greenway has been identified for high-priority implementation as Phase One of the Spirit Trail. (download Phase One map as PDF)

Phase One is 6 kilometres and will connect between the Lions Gate Bridge, through the Squamish Nation lands adjacent to Park Royal, through Ambleside and Dundarave to 31st Street at Marine Drive. Phase One construction is planned for 2008 and 2009.

Funding

Funds to develop the Spirit Trail will be raised from Provincial, TransLink, and municipal programs, as well as from private sponsorships and donations.

Donor Opportunities – Support the Spirit Trail

Many enhancements and amenities along the Spirit Trail can be developed as funds become available. Feature areas at major points of interest in Phase One provide opportunities for recognition of donors:

• Squamish Nation gateway and artwork at Taylor Way and Capilano River Bridge to Park Royal
• Park Royal gateway and entry features
• Capilano River interpretive vista
• Ambleside Pond bird sanctuary interpretive signage
• Navvy Jack Point improvements on the seawalk
• Dundarave Park informative map board
• Altamont Beach Park rest stop
• Map board kiosk for Phase 1 at 31st Street & Marine Drive

West Vancouver Parks Department donor programs:

• Tribute Trees (in locations to be determined in conjunction with the Parks Department)
• Tribute Benches (subject to waiting list)

Public Art opportunities supported by the Arts & Culture Working Group:

• Feature displays of public art along the greenway route
• Accommodate a Sculpture Biennial installation

Other opportunities:

• Community information kiosk at the foot of 14th Street
• Greenway signage and wayfinding
• Trail lighting
• Bike parking racks
• Drinking fountains
• Water features
• Special feature areas (rest stops, and plazas)
• Interpretive displays for heritage, ecology, and cultural
  information

For more information, please contact:

Brent Dozzi, P. Eng., PTOE
Manager, Roads & Transportation
604-925-7157
badozzi@westvancouver.ca

Tags: Brent Dozzi, Cycling Network and Greenway Plan, District of West Vancouver, multi-use pathway, Spirit Trail