Metro Vancouver is expanding the Pitt River Regional Greenway, with the addition of 1.68 hectares of land at the foot of Ferry Slip Road in Pitt Meadows.
The site, which stretches from the Lougheed Highway to the Canadian Pacific Railway Bridge, follows the Fraser-Pitt River dike. The greenway protects wetland marshes, ponds and small bays along the waterfront, which are important fish and bird habitats.
“This newly purchased waterfront will provide convenient access for people to walk, cycle or enjoy a picnic along this spectacular riverfront,” said Heather Deal, chair of Metro Vancouver’s Regional Parks Committee.
“This scenic greenway provides visitors with an intimate view of the Fraser River, which is both a vital economic artery and home to a diverse range of extraordinary birds and marine wildlife.”
Metro Vancouver has gradually added land to the Pitt River Regional Greenway as part of a vision to create a 31-kilometre trail along the Fraser and Pitt rivers, from Harris Landing to Grant Narrows, linking to a network of municipal trails, the Trans Canada Trail, Canyon to Coast Trail and Alouette River dike trails.
Regional greenways offer scenic trails and protect biodiversity by connecting green spaces and ecosystems.
The Greenway, which Metro Vancouver operates through an agreement with the City of Pitt Meadows, accommodates walking, cycling and horseback riding, and welcomed more than 145,000 visitors in 2016.
The regional district acquired the land, at a cost of $986,900, through its Heritage Parkland Acquisition Fund.
“The riverfront here in Pitt Meadows provides wonderful opportunities for residents to enjoy scenic river, mountain, and agricultural vistas, and to view wildlife,” said Pitt Meadows Mayor John Becker. “The City of Pitt Meadows looks forward to continuing our work with Metro Vancouver to complete this important local and regional amenity.”
Metro Vancouver’s Regional Parks system covers a total of 14,500 hectares, and includes 24 regional parks, three regional park reserves, two ecological conservancy areas, and five regional greenways. This year, Metro Vancouver is celebrating 50 years of its Regional Parks service, with a series of events being held across the region.