The City of Courtenay has paused a planned trail extension in Bear James Park after residents gathered at the site as construction was set to begin Monday.
The city said no work took place after staff stood down construction crews.
The project was estimated to cost about $4,000 and was intended to support future bridge replacement, stairway repairs, fish habitat restoration, infrastructure maintenance and emergency access.
“The trail extension would help protect the park’s ecological values while providing reliable access for infrastructure maintenance, environmental restoration projects and emergency response,” said the city on its project webpage.
The city said it will now conduct a broader review of planned work and access requirements in the park.
“Following the events on site and the significant level of community interest in the project, the City of Courtenay has decided to pause the trail extension and undertake a broader review of future works within Bear James Park,” said a statement from the city.
Environmental and fisheries timing restrictions mean the construction window closes in mid-September, according to the city. The trail project will likely be deferred until 2027.
