The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is going to look into finding a new place for hikers to relieve themselves at a popular trailhead in Paradise Valley.
As explained by Area D Director, Tony Rainbow, the section of Sea to Sky Trail at the northern end of Paradise Valley was drawing in a lot of people, and there aren’t any facilities—which isn't great for the locals.
“At the trailhead, people park their cars while using the trail, many camp overnight, and as there are no toilet facilities, the surrounding bushes and trees are used for relief,” wrote Rainbow in his report.
“Needless to say, this is unsightly, unsanitary, and unsatisfactory.”
The section of the trail in question is the portion through Cheakamus Canyon, which connects to the Sea to Sky highway a few kilometres to the north. The area where users are relieving themselves is right at the end of Paradise Valley Road, which is the trailhead for the hike.
Rainbow wrote while there are long-term solutions to be investigated, he proposes a short-term solution for now, “that is, the provision of rustic toilet facilities.”
“A couple of years ago, we installed two units of urine diversion [UDI] toilets at the Furry Creek beach recreation area that have been well used and are relatively easy to maintain," he wrote. "We also installed one close to the trail in a family climbing area north of Squamish. These units were constructed on site by a local contractor who has built many in BC Parks and Recreation areas. The approximate cost is $15,000 per unit.”
Such a unit would require some infrastructure and ongoing attention, such as a gravel pad, and regular maintenance.
In his report, Rainbow also talked about maintenance not being a challenge as the local Paradise Valley Leaseholders Association members could possibly be contracted, while funding could be provided through the SLRD’s funds for parks or through grants.
That said, in speaking to his report, Rainbow said he was looking for a staff investigation rather than funding for the proposal, as the motion he brought forward was for a staff report with consultation with the 撸奶社区Nation, timelines, information on supply and installation, maintenance costs and associated staff time.
Explaining some of the motion, chief administrative officer, Heather Paul, said consultation with the 撸奶社区Nation was included as previously the Nation had been opposed to a more established campground proposal in the area.
“This is much more smaller and very different, however we want to make sure that there is consultation there and there is no insult where 撸奶社区Nation feels they’re not heard,” she said.
During conversation, Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman noted Tourism Pemberton had success in previous years in securing grant funding for toilets at various trailheads around the community, and suggested the SLRD look into that initiative to consider funding sources besides the SLRD tax base.
Directors voted unanimously to support Rainbow’s motion, with the task to be allocated to staff priorities.
