Coquitlam is accelerating plans to expand the Crunch trail to the south and rolling out other improvements this fall to offer additional outdoor recreation options for residents.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Oct. 27, 2020 – Coquitlam is accelerating plans to expand the Crunch trail to the south and rolling out other improvements this fall to offer additional outdoor recreation options for residents.
Last night, Council approved updates to the four-phase Coquitlam Crunch Trail and Expansion Plan intended to address the safety and capacity issues caused by heightened use during the pandemic and general increase in outdoor fitness and recreation. Changes include prioritizing a 1.3-kilometre trail extension south of Dewdney Trunk Road, and deferring planned viewing decks and exercise equipment areas in the existing 2.2-kilometre section.
As well, various short-term improvements will be introduced between this fall and spring 2021, focusing on parking, street crossings, trail realignment, signage and public safety education. These improvements intend to enhance the trail network, increase safety and comfort for users and reduce negative impacts on the neighbourhood.
Planning for Crunch Trail South
Staff plan to kick off public consultation and the conceptual design later this fall on a southern trail extension connecting to Mariner Way and Mundy Park, reporting back to Council in spring 2021.
Known as the Greenlinks extension, the gravel trail will run along a hydro corridor on City lands and the proposed plan will include washrooms, parking and stairs in steeper sections. The intent is to continue to expand the Crunch Trail network, providing a great outdoor fitness amenity to residents in central and southwest Coquitlam, and to create connectivity to other existing City parks such as Mundy Park.
To fund the $3.25 million project, the City has deferred the plans for viewing decks and exercise equipment areas on the existing section of the Crunch until after the Greenlinks extension is operational, and will re-prioritize $2.5 million in funds by adjusting the timing of other approved capital projects.
Information about the conceptual design process and public consultation will be posted at www.coquitlam.ca/parkprojects.
The north and south sections of the trail will eventually connect via a future Falcon Street overpass.
Addressing Immediate Issues
A long-time destination for fitness enthusiasts, the Crunch trail typically sees as many as 52,000 people each month during peak season. However, increased use during the pandemic has created parking and road safety issues.
The City has been working with neighbours of the Crunch to address their concerns. Recent measures have included posting signs promoting road safety and constructing a pedestrian crossing on Guildford Way. The new crossing is expected to be complete in November and will encourage use of the Runnel Drive parking lot at the foot of the trail.
Plans for the coming months include:
- Developing solutions in consultation with residents to prevent parking too close to driveways;
- Adding signs directing drivers to designated parking lots;
- Public messaging encouraging use of the Runnel Street lot and respect for the neighbourhood;
- Increasing traffic enforcement and patrols of the area; and
- Doubling the capacity of the Lansdowne Drive parking lot in the spring, including an electronic sign advising of parking availability.
Consider Neighbours When Hiking the Crunch
With over 240 meters of elevation gain, the Crunch Trail in Northwest Coquitlam is a popular fitness destination that sees as many as 52,000 users per month during peak season. Increased use during the pandemic has intensified traffic, parking and safety concerns for residents of the area. Visitors are asked to respect the neighbourhood, obey all traffic laws, cross streets safely and use the parking lots off Lansdowne Drive or in Bramble or Eagle Ridge Parks. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/crunch for more information about the trail and amenities.
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Media contact:
Andre Isakov
Park Planning & Design Manager
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3541
aisakov@coquitlam.ca