COQUITLAM, B.C., July 14, 2020 – Fitness equipment, viewing decks and other improvements are anticipated for the popular Crunch Trail next year.
Last night, Council endorsed the proposed concept for Phase 1 of a five-year expansion plan for Coquitlam’s most loved trail, which typically sees more than 50,000 visitors a month. With the go-ahead from Council, City staff will prepare the detailed Phase 1 design and budget to present to Council this fall.
A signalized pedestrian crossing at Guildford Way is scheduled for installation this year. Construction of the remaining improvements is anticipated to begin early next year and be completed in 2021.
Proposed Crunch Trail Improvements
The project will focus on the busiest section of the trail between Guildford Way and Lansdowne Drive (north). The planned concept includes:
- Outdoor exercise equipment at the top and bottom of the stairs section, with barrier-free access off Lansdowne Drive (North) for the upper stations, and an overall focus on upper body, core and stretching to complement existing lower body conditioning offered by the stairs to establish a more complete fitness circuit;
- Three new decks constructed of large timber pieces to provide opportunities to rest, stretch and exercise along the popular stair section, and to capture spectacular views of Coquitlam and the region;
- A new transverse trail linking the east and west staircases, about a third of the way up;
- Parking lot improvements that provide for 60 stalls – doubling the current capacity – and two accessible stalls, along with a painted crosswalk and raised walkways for safer pedestrian circulation;
- A new signalized crossing at Guildford Way with accompanying trail alignment to provide better links for existing and future amenities (installed this summer and fall); and
- Enhanced trail and amenity identifier and wayfinding signage.
This round of improvements will have no impact on the community garden at the main parking lot.
Making a Popular Amenity Even Better
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. The pandemic has resulted in a further bump in use, with over 60,000 trips counted in May of this year.
Budgeted at about $2.8 million, next year’s proposed improvements are part of a $7-million multi-year Coquitlam Crunch Trail and Expansion Plan adopted in early 2018 following feedback from more than 1,700 residents and trail users. The plan envisions significant improvements, including several new washrooms, paved parking lots, viewing areas, outdoor exercise equipment, safer pedestrian street crossings, signage and other amenities.
The upcoming work was vetted by Coquitlam Crunch Challenge representatives, in-house fitness professionals and BC Hydro, which owns the trail property.
Phase 1 began last year with the addition of two universal public washrooms at the lower level of the trail at Lansdowne Drive, landscaping, a water fountain with bottle filler and pet bowl, and curb bulges for safer pedestrian crossing of Lansdowne Drive north and south.
Detailed design plans and budget will be provided as part of each phase prior to construction.
For information, visit www.coquitlam.ca/crunch and www.coquitlam.ca/parkprojects.
Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic
The City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/csrp to learn about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is providing immediate and long-term support for the non-profit sector, businesses and residents;
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/spirit for a free library of activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to connect with your community; and
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for updates on City services and initiatives and COVID-19 health resources.
Coquitlam residents and businesses are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information.
Media contact
Andre Isakov
Manager, Park Planning & Design
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3541
Email