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Premier promises to make Juan de Fuca Marine Trail a priority

Group says trail needs increased investment and attention
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The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail attracts thousands of people every year from around the world. But now, the poor beaten path is in dire need of upkeep.

“The trail is well loved,” said Rosemary Jorna, an executive for the Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society, “and it has been extremely frustrating how little money the previous [B.C. government] put in to it.”

Premier John Horgan said plans are underway towards getting the trail, which was established in 1994 to commemorate the Commonwealth Games, some much needed maintenance and updates.

“This trail needs increased investment and attention, and I am committed to making it happen,” Horgan said in a community report.

Jorna said the trail could use more staircases, boardwalks, and better drainage, as well as more money for extended maintenance each year to make the trail safer.

“All parks and trails in the province have suffered severe neglect under the previous administration,” Jorna said. “There is a lot of catchup of work that needs done.”

She said there is maintenance done every year on the trail, but it’s insufficient for how much the trail is used.

“It was designed to take 100,000 people each year, but it definitely exceeds that,” Jorna said.

Along with maintenance, Jorna hopes the trail will be protected from logging to preserve the ecology in the trail. There has already been some logging done along the trail.

“I feel it is important to protect the trail for the recreational value and wilderness experience it provides,” Jorna said.