The District of Tofino is hoping to make the road to MacKenzie Beach a whole lot smoother this year.
The district is budgeting $2 million for a project that includes paving the currently gravel MacKenzie Beach road, a Multi-Use Path extension, parking improvements, washrooms and beach access.
Director of Infrastructure and Public Works Aaron Rodgers presented the plan to Tofino’s municipal council and said staff hopes to have the project completed in 2023.
He added the district has applied for a Active Transportation Infrastructure grant from the provincial government that would cover about $440,775 of the price tag.
He said the project will be discussed in further detail throughout the budget process as staff is still sniffing out other funding sources to cover the project.
Coun. Duncan McMaster asked if the MUP extension would include dividers separating users from vehicle traffic, noting safety concerns could arise if pedestrians, cyclists and drivers were asked to share the road too snugly.
Rodgers responded that the current plan is for painted lines and no physical barriers, but added that the district has barriers at its public works yard and could put them to use as part of the project.
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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