Delta’s engineering department is exploring how to improve parking for those wanting to go walk the Brunswick Point trail system.
Due to safety concerns, the city earlier this year installed no parking signs on a road near the popular trail at the end of River Road West, but only where parking was never allowed in the first place.
Motorists parking at the edge of the road also made it difficult for large farm vehicles to navigate.
City council then granted early budget approval for construction of a parking area.
A staff report at a recent council workshop notes the dike trail has been a popular destination for recreational users over the years, with a notable increase this past year as a result of the pandemic.
Staff have been working on the detailed design of the proposed parking area and have been continuing to talk with the local residents including farmers.
The report notes staff have reviewed the possibility of relocating to the south end of 34th Street, but it wasn’t seen as a viable option due to a number of reasons, including its narrow width and large ditches, no ability for vehicles to turn around and the shared road ownership with the Tsawwassen First Nation.
Staff proposed constructing a new parking area at River Road West at 30B Street and limiting existing on-street parking to accessible vehicles only.
However, area residents expressed opposition after reviewing the design.
Staff proposed to council that the city delay constructing the parking area and continue to have bylaw staff enforce parking violators.
Staff also recommend the city promote its other trail systems.
