Puntledge River trail access improvement near Robert Lang Drive
Project update – August 2026
The City of Courtenay has paused the planned Bear James Park trail extension project and will undertake a broader review of future works within the park. Due to environmental and fisheries timing constraints, the project can no longer realistically proceed in 2026 and will likely be deferred until 2027. The review will consider future park improvements and access requirements as part of determining the most appropriate long-term approach for Bear James Park.
Construction of a 75-metre soft-surface trail extension in Bear James Park was scheduled for August 10 to 12, 2026. The trail extension was intended to connect to the existing trail network and provide access for park maintenance, environmental stewardship, infrastructure replacement and emergency response activities.
The project will support future replacement of the downstream pedestrian bridge, improve access for maintenance and emergency response, and help facilitate ongoing enhancement and maintenance work in the Jack Hames Side Channel. The City has worked with its environmental consultant, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and K’ómoks First Nation to ensure environmental considerations are incorporated into project planning.
Originally excavated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in 1984 to improve fish habitat and production, the Jack Hames Side Channel has been maintained through a long-standing partnership between the City and DFO. For more than 40 years, our organizations have worked together on habitat stewardship, restoration and infrastructure maintenance.
This page provides information about the project, environmental considerations and answers to frequently asked questions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The City had planned to construct an approximately 75-metre-long soft-surface trail extension from the end of the existing three-metre-wide trail in Bear James Park. The trail extension would help protect the park’s ecological values while providing reliable access for infrastructure maintenance, environmental restoration projects and emergency response.
The project is currently paused while the City undertakes a broader review of future works within the park.
No. This is not a road and will not function as a roadway.
The project is a trail extension that will provide controlled access for maintenance, environmental restoration work and emergency response when needed.
The trail extension will:
provide access to an existing trail corridor that does not meet current City parks standards
improve accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, people using mobility devices and people using strollers
support maintenance of park infrastructure
support replacement of the downstream pedestrian bridge in 2027
improve emergency access within the park
support future habitat restoration work in the Jack Hames Channel
The upstream pedestrian bridge was replaced in 2025. Because of the bridge's size and weight limitations, maintenance vehicles and equipment cannot access some sections of the trail network. The trail extension will provide the access needed to maintain infrastructure, complete environmental restoration projects and respond to emergencies.
No. The trail is not intended for public motorized vehicle use. The City's Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw continues to prohibit:
dirt bikes
all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
e-bikes
e-scooters
Yes. Existing trails in Bear James Park will remain open during construction.
The trail extension supports maintenance and environmental stewardship while maintaining public access for walking and recreation.
Access within City-owned land provides a long-term, reliable solution. It allows the City to:
maintain and repair infrastructure more efficiently
respond to emergencies when needed
complete restoration projects without relying on access agreements with private landowners
ensure long-term, reliable access for future maintenance and improvements
While some residents have identified access through neighbouring private property as a potential alternative, long-term operational access through private land presents a number of considerations, including access agreements, legal and liability requirements, property rights, ongoing maintenance obligations, and environmental, engineering and geotechnical factors.
Staff will review the full range of planned park improvements and access requirements to help determine the most appropriate long-term solution for the park and its future infrastructure and environmental stewardship needs.
The upstream pedestrian bridge was replaced in 2025.
The downstream pedestrian bridge is scheduled for replacement in 2027 as part of ongoing investments in the trail network.
Because of the size and weight limitations of the new upstream bridge, vehicle access to portions of the trail network for maintenance, upgrades and environmental restoration work is currently restricted.
The proposed trail extension will provide the access needed to complete this work. The timing of future bridge replacement work will be reviewed as part of the City's broader assessment of future works within Bear James Park.
The City is working with:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
K'ómoks First Nation
qualified environmental consultants
All required environmental reviews, permits and authorizations will be completed before construction begins. The project is designed to minimize environmental impacts and support long-term stewardship of the area.
The City is planning restoration and enhancement work within the Jack Hames Side Channel in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). The timing of this work may be affected by the current review of future works within Bear James Park. The Bear James Park trail extension will provide the access needed to support this work.
The City recognizes that Bear James Park contains environmentally sensitive habitats and natural areas.
Environmental assessments, project design measures and permit requirements have been incorporated into planning to minimize impacts on these areas while supporting infrastructure maintenance and future habitat restoration.
The trail extension will:
improve emergency access when needed
support maintenance and repair of trails and bridges
help address environmental hazards more efficiently
provide reliable access without relying on private land
Reliable access within City-owned property will help the City:
maintain trails and bridges
protect public infrastructure investments
complete habitat restoration projects
respond to emergencies
support the long-term sustainability of the trail network
On August 10, 2026, a small group of residents gathered at the site as crews arrived to begin construction. Staff stood down construction activities and no work proceeded. Following the events on site and the significant level of community interest in the project, the City decided to pause the trail extension and undertake a broader review of future works within Bear James Park.
Due to environmental and fisheries timing constraints, the available construction window closes in mid-September. As a result, the project can no longer realistically proceed in 2026 and will likely be deferred until 2027.
