Little River (Demamiel Creek) Pedestrian Crossing and Multi-Use Trails Project

The Little River Crossing and Multi-Use Trails Project is a pedestrian crossing over DeMamiel Creek, referred to as “Little River” by the T’Sou-ke Nation, with a supporting trail system to increase connectivity from the Sunriver/Phillips Road neighbourhood to Sooke’s town core and nearby schools. The project will incorporate interpretive signage to educate users on the cultural and natural history of the area.

Phase one of the project opened in the summer of 2020. The design of phase two is currently at 50%. Updated renderings will be posted once available.


Project Progression to date:

  • The Parks and Trails Advisory Committee initially recommended the pedestrian crossing at Little River (Demamiel Creek) to Council at the September 12, 2016 Regular Council meeting.
  • Council set aside funds for a feasibility study in the 2017 budget, and entered into a contract with ISL Engineering to complete the study following the March 12, 2018 Regular Council meeting.
  • Site analysis and stakeholder consultation were conducted in the spring of 2018, with a summary report presented to Council at the July 9, 2018 Regular Council meeting. At this meeting, Council also authorized the next phase of the project, which was to proceed with partial (50%) design drawings for the crossing.
  • During the design process, it was determined that a short connection from the existing trail at Woodland Creek, through School District property between Journey Middle School and Poirier Elementary, was needed to ensure pedestrian safety. Staff identified a funding opportunity for the short connector trail through “Bike BC” and requested Council authorization to apply for the grant at the February 11, 2019 Regular Council meeting.
  • Upon receipt of grant funding, Council authorized staff to proceed with the posting of tender documents for construction of the short connector trail, or “Phase One” of the larger Little River (Demamiel Creek) Pedestrian Crossing. Report to Council – Post Tender Documents, September 9, 2019
  • Council awarded the contract to Ramida Enterprises at the October 28, 2019 Regular Council meeting
  • Phase One was completed in July 2020.
  • The District continues to actively apply for grant funds, including the most recent submission in October 2021. Through the application, the District is seeking up to 60% of project funds through two streams of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Grant (Rural and Northern Communities Program; Community, Culture and Recreation Program). It is anticipated the grant status of this application will be known later in 2023.

Phase One Design Drawings

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Proposed Site Plan for Phase Two

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