Re: Renewed vision needed for our riverside trails, Aug. 7
Thanks for the excellent investigative story about Prince George’s riverside trails. I would add that, in my view the root cause of the deteriorating trail along the Nechako River comes down to dollars and vision.
Many years ago, it was established that the No. 1-used recreational facility in Prince George was its trail system.
Despite this, and perhaps because of the outdoor and often rustic nature of the city’s trail system in combination with the substantial contributions of volunteer groups, it has been easy for us to get away with spending relatively few tax dollars on our trails.
Despite the very high recreation and enjoyment value, plus the health benefits of walking, cycling and running, the overall capital spend has remained small in comparison to the many tens of millions of dollars spent on ‘bricks and mortar’ recreational projects.
It is past time for us to prioritize a major capital project to protect and develop the Heritage River Trail along the entire south bank of the Nechako River.
This will require extensive riprap, trail rebuilding, and yes, offsetting projects to compensate for any negative impacts on fish.
We are indeed fortunate in Prince George to have not one, but two major rivers in the city.
Most other towns and cities with such amazing natural waterfront assets to go great trouble and expense to highlight them as key features of their communities.
Mike Nash
Prince George
