The trail, located just west of the Capilano Bridge on the southside of the river, will be renewed and reopened in 2022.

Project Update - March 2022

Construction is expected to begin in May 2022 and be completed in the fall of 2022. The trail is currently closed and will remain closed until construction is completed. This will include closing all bike trails that run along the section of asphalt trail. The stair connection to Rowland Road, access to Capilano Bridge, and access east under Capilano Bridge will remain open during construction. As construction materials and equipment are mobilized to site, minor interferences will occur at the bottom of the stairs and adjacent trail connections.

Upcoming construction work includes: 

  • Installation of concrete piles
  • Installation of concrete pile retaining walls complete with timber lagging
  • Renewal of the asphalt trail in the affected areas
  • Site restoration through native tree and shrub plantings
Tree Removals

Tree removals were completed in January. Tree removals were necessary to facilitate construction access required for the scope of work. A robust restoration plan has been developed and will be implemented once the stabilization work is complete.

Native plant species including aspen, poplar, white spruce, saskatoon, dogwood, hazelnut, willow, wild rose and snowberry will be planted in quantities suitable for restoring the disturbed areas. The restoration plan will enhance and improve the existing ravine ecosystem.

Project Overview

The Capilano Bridge Trail (southwest) project focuses on an approximately 100m stretch of paved asphalt trail running along the North Saskatchewan River that is located approximately 250m west of the Capilano Bridge on the south side of the river (see  map ).

As a result of a landslide that occurred in the area, the trail has been significantly damaged.  The trail is severely cracked and uneven, either raised or sunk, in a number of locations. The landslide was likely triggered by periods of heavy and prolonged rainfall in summer 2020. Timber retaining walls that were installed in the 70s were also damaged and must be replaced.

The trail was closed to the public in July 2020 due to safety concerns.

The goal of this project is to reopen the trail to the public, providing safe access to this area of the river valley. The exact solution will be determined through a combination of City policies and procedures, technical requirements and public input.

Timeline

Build - Life Cycle Chevron graphic

2022
Late fall - construction complete
Spring/summer/fall - construction

2021
Fall - detailed design phase  
Summer - concept phase
Winter/spring - site assessment 

2020
Summer - trail is closed to the public 
Winter/spring - trail is damaged due to high water events and a landslide

  • Surface crack mid slope above trail
    Surface crack mid slope above trail
  • Significant cracking between retaining walls
    Significant cracking between retaining walls
  • Trail surface cracking and subsidence
    Trail surface cracking and subsidence
  • Significant Retaining Wall Deformations
    Significant Retaining Wall Deformations