The central section of the Hastings Creek trail has been permanently closed after more than two decades of increasingly challenging maintenance efforts, the District of North Vancouver announced in a press release.
Extensive erosion and repeated slope failures have destabilized the central portion of the trail, creating serious safety risks. More frequent and intense rain and storm events in recent years have further compromised the area, requiring levels of maintenance and financial investment that can no longer be sustained.
After exhausting all safe, practical, and fiscally and environmentally responsible options, the District determined that the trail section cannot be safely maintained. Detailed geotechnical evaluations and multiple failed re-routing and infrastructure repair efforts confirmed the decision, the press release noted.
Independent experts found that repairing even limited portions of the trail would cost more than $5 million. Even with this considerable investment, long-term feasibility could not be guaranteed.
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The southern section of the trail is also currently closed after a large tree failure destroyed a bridge. The feasibility of replacing that bridge remains uncertain and is under review. Staff continues to assess damage to other trail areas from recent weather events.
“We understand that this trail has been loved and well-used by the community for generations,” the press release noted. “Like you, we feel a real sense of sadness about its closure. However, safety is always our top priority, and the effects of erosion and slope failure can no longer be mitigated.”
