Nanoose Economic Development Corporation | Nanoose Economic Development Corporation

Purpose

The Nanoose Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) is applying for $907,641.88 in funding for Phase 2 of the Snaw-Naw-As multi-use trail. NEDC leads the overall economic development of Snaw-Naw-As Nation members and was created to implement various community and economic development initiatives that were outlined throughout several community engagement and planning sessions. The waterfront area was identified by Nation members and staff as a key area for economic and redevelopment opportunities, including implementing a commercial campground, office space, boat launch aquaculture business, member housing, and outdoor gathering spaces. Funding for the construction of Phase 1 of the Snaw-Naw-As multi-use path was approved by the British Columbia Active Transportation (BCAT) Fund and involved connecting the campground on Snaw-Naw-As Road to the Market and employment centre between Island Highway and Lantzville Road. Previously there were informal trail connections, however safety concerns were expressed by community members who were unable to utilize the trails for a variety of reasons related to accessibility. The multi-use path is the first within the Nation’s community to provide active transportation infrastructure from the community to the Market and employment centre, with the hope to enhance pedestrian and cyclist activity that is accessible for all ages and abilities. The Market and employment centre is a critical amenity to the community and offers a range of services to up to 30,000 motorists passing along the highway everyday, including electric vehicle charging and a Tim Hortons. The Market also employs approximately 25 members of Snaw-Naw-As Nation, which is critical to the local tourism industry. NEDC is seeking funding to implement Phase 2 of the Snaw-Naw-As multi-use path, the final segment of this project that will fully link the community’s waterfront to the Market and employment centre. The main benefit of the project is to increase the amount of active transportation infrastructure in the community, while addressing safety concerns by providing users with a safer connection from the waterfront to the Market and employment centre. The project will also provide Snaw-Naw-As members with increased opportunities to remain active and to enhance active transportation connectivity and accessibility to homes within the community. In doing so, the proposed project will support Snaw-Naw-As’ priorities to build a stronger and more resilient community through increased health benefits and accessibility. The proposed project will support Snaw-Naw-As’ most vulnerable members such as youth, elders, young families with baby strollers, and low-income members. Phase 2 involves installing a 295-metre asphalt extension to the Snaw-Naw-As multi-use path. The proposed project will provide the following amenities: • 82 sq.m area for a food truck platform (approx. 4m x 20m) • 10 outdoor lamp posts for pathway lighting • 3 benches and 5 picnic tables • 1 bike rack • Non-greenery landscaping (1 totem pole and 1 trash / recycling receptacle) The project is being delivered and sponsored by NEDC and has the full support of Snaw-Naw-As First Nation Chief and Council. Other supporters of the development are the Parksville and Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Oceanside Tourism organization, who have expressed their support for tourism-related development from the Nation, including the campground and waterfront development. The project also supports the Pan-Canadian Framework on Climate Change by investing in healthier, more sustainable modes of transportation; and CleanBC’s goal of doubling active transportation trips by 2030. It also provides a key step in connecting to the wider community and regional trail network, including the 'North Road Beach Access Trail' approximately 1km east.