Maple Ridge’s $5.2-million waterfront pathway taking shape

Construction is underway on a new multi-use pathway along the Port Haney waterfront. The $5.24-million route will run from Port Haney Wharf to Kanaka Creek Regional Park, between the Fraser River and the CPKC rail tracks. It will meet the edge of the park and eventually form part of a connected trail network. Together with existing trails in Kanaka Creek Regional Park, the riverfront trail will be about three kilometres long.

Maple Ridge Mayor Jerry Kok said the completed pathway could attract visitors to the community. He noted that Port Haney Wharf connects to downtown via 224th Street.

The work includes stabilizing the bank with large riprap boulders, installing lighting and providing site servicing for a future waterfront park. Recent work has included pile driving for the abutments of a new trail bridge over a stream.

Councillors learned at their Oct. 13 meeting that City CAO Scott Hartman awarded the $5.24-million contract to Wilco Civil Inc. of Langley. The previous council approved funding for the project at a meeting in July.

The City bought the log sort site near the wharf in 2021, including five acres of linear waterfront property. Planning and preliminary design for the project began in summer 2023.

The pathway is scheduled to open this spring. To protect the river ecosystem, all work is being carried out under environmental permits from provincial and federal agencies. A qualified environmental professional will regularly oversee and monitor the site during construction.

Metro Vancouver will complete the trail connection to Kanaka Creek Regional Park, which may not open at the same time as the pathway.