A growing kick back on the right for equestrian use of the Lochside Trail is among the greater concerns being heard by the Capital Regional District as it continues the public consultation period for the Regional Trails Management Plan.
“We had 120 people attend the two public open houses in January 2016 and 444 comments were received through the online feedback form. We appreciate the high level of public interest in our highly used regional trails system,” said Mike Hicks, CRD Regional Parks Committee chair.
The Regional Trails Management Plan, when final, will be a 10-year plan for the Galloping Goose, Lochside and E&N Rail Trail–Humpback Connector, as well as future regional trails.
CRD’s Regional Parks Committee recently received petitions to protect equestrian access on the Lochside Trail. In particular, residents want to ensure equestrian access, and therefore shared use, on the Lochside from the Blenkinsop Greenway north to Island View Beach Road.
CRD staff said they are considering a further investigation into options for equestrian use on the Lochside Trail over the next six months.
The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition supports paving the entire Lochside Regional Trail, as gravel stretches remain unpaved, while retaining a parallel chip trail for horses.
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