Hikers up for a challenge no longer need to contend with steep embankments or crossing Benson Creek on a log. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

hiking upgrades

VIDEO: Stairs installed at Benson Creek Falls Regional Park

Jun 8, 2021 | 6:08 AM

NANAIMO — A narrow switchback ravine trail has been replaced by newly opened stairs, while a bridge spanning Benson Creek is now open.

Phase one upgrades at Benson Creek Falls Regional Park (BCFRP) were recently finished, featuring stairs on both sides of a steep gorge connected by a 90 foot long aluminum bridge.

The portion of trail west of Nanaimo city limits was closed for nearly three months while the labour intensive project was done in the hard to reach location.

Yann Gagnon, the RDN’s parks services manager, said he’s thrilled with the finished product located just downstream from Ammonite Falls.

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“Now that we have improved parking, a new trailhead, some access improvements and a bridge, it feels more like a destination park now — before it was really much like a rugged forested trail,” Gagnon told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The closest access point to the new infrastructure is from the recently opened new trailhead and parking lot to BCFRP located off Wiegles Rd.

In March a highly technical delivery from a chopper saw a pre-fabricated bridge placed across Benson Creek.

Up next is a highly anticipated initiative to improve access to prized Ammonite Falls.

Final designs for the project are underway, with work expected to begin in July or August and be complete in October, Gagnon said.

“This will feature a series of staircases as well as a large viewing platform as well as a descent to the falls, which will provide a much safer access than what has been in place.”

Gagnon said access to Ammonite Falls will include a combination of staircase and steps at-grade which will blend in with the embankment.

A wooden fence will soon replace the existing chain-linked fence at the top of the falls, Gagnon said.

Access to the descent portion of Ammonite Falls is closed until the new stairs are installed.

Gagnon estimated both phases of enhancing BCFRP will cost in the range of $1.1 million.

The Island Coastal Economic Trust injected $103,000 into the project last year.

The project includes trail improvements and increased signage throughout the popular park, which is also accessed off Jameson Rd.

Previously bumpy Wiegles Rd. was repaved leading up to the new BCFRP trailhead and surrounding mountain biking trails.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes