Keep Lochside Trail Multi-Use, for HORSES too!
The Issue
The Capital Regional District is planning on paving portions of Lochside Regional Trail and then banning horse access. There are specific plans "... to update and improve the regional trail infrastructure, as needed, to facilitate safe cycling and pedestrian use.
Horseback riding will continue to be permitted along a small section of the trail, between Island View Road (Central Saanich) and Lochside Park (Saanich,) until the trail is paved. Separate surfacing will not be provided for horses alongside the trail."
These trail segments are frequently used by horse riders and are near numerous stables, small and large.
The Capital Regional District has not done due diligence by notifying residents near the trails, particularly riding stables about this change.
The Lochside Trail is and should remain to be a multi-use trail for HORSES TOO! Particularly in the areas near stables and Agricultural Land Reserve Areas.
The equestrian community of the Capital Regional District petition the CRD to leave the section of Lochside Trail between Island View Road (Central Saanich) and Lochside Park (Saanich) unpaved and open to horses. This is one of the very few trails still suitable for horseback riding within a rural, agricultural community. This section of trail passes directly through Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) land and the heart of the horse county on the Peninsula and is surrounded by horse farms paying the property taxes in the area. Banning horses from this section of the trail is in direct contraction to the CRD's stated Vision and Management Principles to facilitate "healthy lifestyles for people of all ages and abilities" and to "work together to create and maintain a trail system that accommodates a diversity of users, promotes respect among users and supports positives experiences for all."
Lochside Trail has historically been a multi-use trail and allowing horses on this section of trail supports the rural character of the area and the local economy.
Review the CRD's Regional Trail Management Plan and provide direct feedback on their website too.
The Issue
The Capital Regional District is planning on paving portions of Lochside Regional Trail and then banning horse access. There are specific plans "... to update and improve the regional trail infrastructure, as needed, to facilitate safe cycling and pedestrian use.
Horseback riding will continue to be permitted along a small section of the trail, between Island View Road (Central Saanich) and Lochside Park (Saanich,) until the trail is paved. Separate surfacing will not be provided for horses alongside the trail."
These trail segments are frequently used by horse riders and are near numerous stables, small and large.
The Capital Regional District has not done due diligence by notifying residents near the trails, particularly riding stables about this change.
The Lochside Trail is and should remain to be a multi-use trail for HORSES TOO! Particularly in the areas near stables and Agricultural Land Reserve Areas.
The equestrian community of the Capital Regional District petition the CRD to leave the section of Lochside Trail between Island View Road (Central Saanich) and Lochside Park (Saanich) unpaved and open to horses. This is one of the very few trails still suitable for horseback riding within a rural, agricultural community. This section of trail passes directly through Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) land and the heart of the horse county on the Peninsula and is surrounded by horse farms paying the property taxes in the area. Banning horses from this section of the trail is in direct contraction to the CRD's stated Vision and Management Principles to facilitate "healthy lifestyles for people of all ages and abilities" and to "work together to create and maintain a trail system that accommodates a diversity of users, promotes respect among users and supports positives experiences for all."
Lochside Trail has historically been a multi-use trail and allowing horses on this section of trail supports the rural character of the area and the local economy.
Review the CRD's Regional Trail Management Plan and provide direct feedback on their website too.
The Decision Makers
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on January 21, 2016