Little River Multi-Use Trail Project

Updated November 5, 2024

The Little River Crossing and Multi-Use Trails Project is a pedestrian crossing over DeMamiel Creek, referred to as “Little River” by T’Sou-ke Nation, with a supporting trail system to increase connectivity between the Sunriver/Phillips Road neighbourhood and nearby schools, as well as Sooke’s town core. It will form a critical connection for the Sunrun Trail, as identified in the District’s Parks and Trails Master Plan (2020, p.20). The project will incorporate interpretive signage to educate users on the cultural and natural history of the area.

Anticipated project timelines for the bridge and trail crossing:

  • August 2024: Receive Agricultural Land Commission (ALR) decision – COMPLETE
  • September-October 2024 – Obtain approvals and finalize design – COMPLETE
  • Fall 2024 – Invitation to Tender posted – IN PROGRESS
  • December 2024 – Award construction contract
  • January 2025 to February 2025 – Site preparation (in advance of bird nesting season March to June).
  • Spring 2025 – Trail and boardwalk construction begins
  • August 1 to September 15, 2025 – Bridge and instream works conducted around fisheries window.
  • Fall 2025 Substantial completion.

Site Map:


Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers):

Q: Where will the new trail and bridge be located?

A: The multi-use trail and bridge will connect Sunriver Way, a cross Demamiel Creek (Little River), to Poirier Elementary School, providing a more direct route for non-motorized transportation and providing an alternative to Highway 14 vehicle travel.

Q: Will the project affect the environment?

A: The project is carefully planned around environmental regulations to protect the natural surroundings, including bird nesting in the spring and in-stream work scheduled within the fisheries window from August 1 to September 15, 2025.

Q: Will the trail be open for the start of the 2025-2026 school year?

A: While best efforts will be made to open the trail for the start of the 2025-2026 school year, environmental regulations prescribing some timelines mean this is not likely. The project team is hopeful for substantial complete in October 2025, with a opening as soon as it is safe to do so.


Project History:

  • 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.
  • In December 2023, the federal government announced that the District was successful in receiving $1.3 million in funding, read the announcement here >>
  • In March 2024, the province government announced that the District was successful in receiving $500,000 in funding, read the announcement here >>
  • As of April 19, 2024 – Draft detail drawings are available, read the related project update here >>