FAQs

Multi-use pathways are physically separated off-street pathways that can be used by people walking, cycling, skateboarding, scootering, and other active modes. These pathways can provide connections between key destinations, support recreation activities, or be part of an active transportation commuter route. Being physically separated from motor vehicle traffic, a multi-use pathway is a safer and more comfortable option for people choosing to actively travel.

A regional trail is a path or route that is solely used for recreation. Most regional trails are used for walking, hiking, and cycling but may also be used for horseback riding, snowmobiling, off road vehicle riding and other uses. Many regional trails are not formally managed or maintained.

The primary users of the multi-use pathway will be people walking and cycling, but could also include skateboarding, scootering, using a wheelchair or pushing a stroller, among others. The multi-use pathway is designed for people who want to recreate and enjoy physical activity, as well as for people choosing to commute by active modes.

This project was identified as a Board priority in 2021 and staff obtained grant funding in 2022 through the FCM Green Municipal Fund to undertake the study.

The desire for a multi-use pathway in Thornhill has been documented in the Thornhill Official Community Plan and the Thornhill Active Transportation Plan. 

Thornhill Official Community Plan (2020)

The Thornhill Official Community Plan includes several transportation specific objectives to support the growing community. One of the Plan’s transportation objectives is to promote safe and accessible alternatives to personal motor vehicles to reduce energy use and contribute to healthy lifestyles, and an associated policy is to implement the Thornhill Active Transportation Plan.

Thornhill Active Transportation Plan (2014)

An Old Lakelse Lake Drive Multi-Use Pathway was one of the new trail recommendations. Old Lakelse Lake Drive is described as an active corridor for pedestrians and cyclists in Upper Thornhill and connects to transit routes, trails, and commercial businesses.

The Thornhill Multi-Use Pathway Feasibility Study considers the issues and opportunities, establishes goals and objectives, and identifies possible pathway alignments and design options for a multi-use path. The results of the first phase of work are intended to inform subsequent community engagement, concept and detailed design, and construction work.

The Thornhill Multi-Use Pathway is being considered with the following objectives in mind:

• Provide a continuous pathway linking Thornhill to Terrace via the Dudley Little Bridge and Old Skeena Bridge.
• Create a facility that can be used safely by pathway users, including people walking, cycling, using a wheelchair or pushing a stroller, among others.
• Minimize environmental impacts, including avoiding watercourses and intrusion on existing vegetation and habitat areas.
• Improve personal security and pathway user comfort through Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. The multi-use pathway design will consider how to allow for surveillance of the facility and provide opportunity for escape in case of conflict, as well as providing lighting along the pathway.
• Ensure the pathway is accessible and comfortable for all community members, regardless of physical ability.