Updated Thursday, October 15, 2020 – The community came together today to celebrate the opening of the Stickleback Urban Trail (view map). A string quartet from Sooke Harmony Project greeted visitors with remarks shared by Mayor Maja Tait and Sid Jorna, President of the Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society. The official opening was celebrated with a waving of the scissors, as a drumline from Sooke Harmony Project led the way along the gravel path to a wayfinding post along the trail. Photos of the festivities are included below.
To keep the celebration of the community continuing, Mayor Tait also announced the launch of a community scavenger hunt in conjunction with the trail opening. She shared, “Residents will have a chance to win gift cards from local businesses as we encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the new Stickleback Urban Trail. To participate, go online to sooke.ca/connectedcommunity to get your destinations and then:
- SEEK out the spots on the Stickleback Urban Trail
- SNAP a photo on the trail. There are even some prompts for your photos – such as “take a selfie with Kody” and if you’re not sure what I mean, that’s all the more reason to get out on the trail and participate
- SHARE your photo with the District“
The campaign with prizes will continue through to the end of November 2020.
Community excited for the opening of the Stickleback Urban Trail. Pictured in the forefront, Sid Jorna – President of Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society
Sooke Harmony Project String Quartet greets residents for the event.
Members of the Sooke Harmony Project Youth Drumline, lead the way on the Stickleback Urban Trail.
Sid Jorna, President of the Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society highlights the work and collaboration that made the trail possible.
The community takes the first steps on the Stickleback Urban Trail after it is declared officially open.
Tuesday, October 13, 2020 – Stroll or roll through 6.5 kilometres of urban trail on the new Stickleback Urban Trail, connecting the Galloping Goose Trail at Kirby and travels to Clarkson Park on Broomhill.
The official opening of the trail will be marked on Thursday, October 15th at 1:30 p.m. and will include a Seek ‘n Snap: Stickleback Urban Trail Scavenger Hunt to encourage residents to have fun exploring the trail, while learning more about the natural environment. The public is invited to attend the event, remaining physically distant.
“It’s exciting to see the results from community partnerships and the dedicated work from staff,” says Mayor Maja Tait acknowledging the partnership with the Juan de Fuca Trail Society.” Sid Jorna with the Juan de Fuca Trail Society adds, “we are thrilled to work with the District to help increase the functionality of the trail system.” The Stickleback Urban Trail links existing paths to form a functional route. In addition to its remarkable natural beauty, the trail features wayfinding posts, map tables, a central kiosk, and a water fountain with a water bottle filling station and a faucet for pets.
The District of Sooke has been updating the Parks and Trails Master Plan and the Transportation Master Plan with involvement from the community over the last year. The draft plans will be presented to council at the October 13th council meeting. “Our parks and trails protect our environment and support our recreation from the rainforest to the sea,” says Tait. “I hope residents join the fun through our Seek ‘n Snap program – I will be heading out with my son,” she adds, “see you on the trail!”
To learn more about parks and trails planning, visit sooke.ca/parks.
To participate in the Seek ‘n Snap Scavenger Hunt, visit sooke.ca/connectedcommunity.
The Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society (JdF CTS) is a coalition of hikers, cyclists, and equestrians in the District of Sooke and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area working to encourage appreciation and respect for our natural features and the environment through community trails opportunities promote and create a legacy of community trails for walkers, cyclists, and equestrians in the Juan de Fuca area. To learn more about the Juan de Fuca Trails Society, please visit jdftrails.ca
Media contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
District of Sooke
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678
Email: cmoog@sooke.ca