Paradise awards contract for Trails Master Plan

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh

Paradise council has taken the next step towards building a Community Trails Master Plan with the awarding of a consulting services tender at its July 14 public meeting to Mills & Wright Landscape Architecture.

Mills & Wright submitted the highest-ranked of three proposals by the June 26 deadline with a bid of $58,966 (HST included), which was less than the $60,000 allotted in the 2026 municipal budget.

“The objective of the plan is to create a long-term vision for trail connectivity, identify priority trail corridors and access points, review existing open space, and support future growth and land-use planning,” said Councillor Jennifer Hiscock in presenting the report.

Councillors were generally appreciative to see the item come forward and see work begin on the plan. Councillor Glen Carew asked for more details about what is expected of Mills & Wright.

Hiscock explained the process is broken into three phases, with the first one focused on information gathering including a review of Town plans, studies, policies, regulations, bylaws and other supporting documents.

“This will help provide background information for the development of the community trail master plan,” Hiscock said. “The new plan should align with and be cohesive with other town plans and the Town’s overall vision and its direction.”

Phase 2 will see the proponent conduct two public engagement sessions, as well as meetings with community groups and schools, an online survey, one-on-one meetings with council members and a formal presentation at a council meeting.

Phase 3 will be the analysis, development of the community trails master plan and a final report.

“I’m definitely in favour of a trails master plan,” said Councillor Sheldon Antle, adding councillors should be active in seeking feedback from the public beyond the formal engagement sessions. “I think what we’ve learned as new councillors is that if there’s a plan and if there’s a master plan then that is the document that helps guide council in terms of decision making. I also think that there may be a mechanism there for us as council members when we’re out and about and talking to people that we specifically make a point of asking, ‘Hey, what is your thought about the trail network and improvements that can be done?’”