Apr 10, 2019

Ladysmith improves Holland Creek Trail accessibility with new switchback

A newly created pathway along the Holland Creek Trail now provides a more accessible option for residents and visitors to Ladysmith looking to hike the Heart and Stocking Lake loops.

Town crews redesigned a steep dirt path just past the Upper Holland Creek Bridge, leading up the new Water Filtration Plant, by incorporating several switchbacks to create a gentler slope that's easier for walking.

As planned, the trail that previously led around ongoing construction of the new facility was decommissioned and is no longer accessible to the public.

The new route for trail users now travels a couple hundred of metres through the forest with views of Holland Creek before rejoining the Heart Lake Trail loop near the gas corridor.

The entire new trail section was also designed to be wide enough to accommodate the Parks Department's service vehicle. 

A gravel surface was chosen to increase the durability of the path and landscaping along the switchback section improves the trail aesthetics.

The Town hopes the improvements help make Holland Creek Trail and the connecting loops more accessible to members of the public with mobility challenges, or families with strollers and young children.