Pursuing an Accessible Trail in North Saanich

One of our members, Al Michel, came to the FNSP Board of Directors with his bright idea for developing an accessible trail (i.e., for people who experience disabilities) at one of the North Saanich parks. “Wow, that sounds great Al. Let’s make it happen,” the Board said.

In the past several months, we met with North Saanich staff to gauge their support. They felt a trail would align well with the recently adopted Parks Master Plan. They suggested we present the idea to the Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Al presented the idea and answered questions. He did a tremendous job, injecting compassion, excitement, and examples from his experience leading a group that developed an accessible trail in the Kamloops area. We were really just presenting to let them know what we were thinking, and to hear what they had to say about it. We were hoping they’d be supportive. We were pleasantly surprised when the committee passed an official motion supporting the concept and asked to be informed of the project’s progress, especially once a design is proposed.

The embryonic plan, as it stands in August 2025, involves the following:

• A short trail around the southern pond in Green Park.
• Complying with Parks Canada accessibility requirements (e.g., slope, width, surface, edging, signage, rest benches, picnic tables).
• Likely a need for fundraising from donors, foundations, and governments.
• Further collaboration with North Saanich staff, especially to address parking.
• A call for volunteers at some point to help organize and execute the plan.

It’s always great to hear from members like Al, who saw a need and is pursuing it with passion.

We will keep you updated on this project as it progresses.