NANAIMO – New Democrat MLAs Sheila Malcolmson, Adam Walker and Doug Routley say $60,000 in funding for Linley Valley trail upgrades will improve access to nature for local residents and provide good-paying jobs in the forestry sector, supporting people in their economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic has impacted all of us and our government is working hard to support people now and into the future,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “This funding will provide jobs to people and families employed in the forestry sector while making our backyard a better place to work, live, and play.”
“People in our region have been hard-hit by the challenges brought on by the pandemic,” said Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. “Our government is providing jobs that aid economic recovery while improving recreation sites that are essential to our health and well-being.“
Located between Departure Bay and Hammond Bay, Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park includes a vast trail network that connects forests to fields and rocky hills. Hundreds of local residents use the trails daily for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing. The $60,000 in funding will be put towards trail upgrades, including resurfacing, enhanced drainage and improved stream flow.
This funding for Nanaimo comes from the Forestry Enhancement Program (FEP), which supports workers and contractors who were impacted by downturns in the forestry sector. The program was expanded with an additional $12 million to support more people in more communities across the province in their economic recovery from the effects of the pandemic.
Other projects across British Columbia that received funding from the Forestry Enhancement Program have improved recreation sites and trails, strengthened wildfire safety and mitigation, restored wildlife habitats and enhanced safety along forest service roads.
Quotes:
Doug Routley, MLA Nanaimo-North Cowichan:
“COVID-19 has increased demand for quality outdoor recreation sites. Investing in our urban forests makes nature more accessible for everyone to enjoy and will create local employment opportunities.”
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/24075