Matsqui IR4 Multi-use Pathway

completed

Matsqui First Nation is a growing community with reserve lands and traditional territory in the Central Fraser Valley region of British Columbia. The name “Matsqui” translates into “easy portage” or “easy travelling”. The Matsqui People are part of the Stó:lo Nation which is part of a larger collective of Coast Salish Nations. We are working hard to create opportunities for our community members and to achieve our community planning goals outlined in our Comprehensive Community Plan. The Matsqui First Nation Mission Statement reads (2018 Comprehensive Community Plan): "The purpose of the Matsqui First Nation government is to protect the cultural integrity and social harmony along with maintaining and enhancing economic stability to ensure a healthy and productive community for Matsqui First Nation Members." The health and safety of our membership is of highest priority for the Matsqui First Nation. We recently completed our first Active Transportation Plan that outlines the community’s long-term plan and commitment to promoting active transportation in the community. Active transportation can help to reduce stress, increase physical activity, reduce infrastructure demands, and foster connected communities. This is a community led project supported by Chief and Council. The need for more transportation and recreation facilities in Matsqui 4 has been identified by community members for several years. The residents have expressed concerns over traffic speeds and the lack of pedestrian and cycling facilities on 272 Street. This street is under the jurisdiction of the Township of Langley and connects to Highway 13 and Aldergrove . 272 Street has no designated walking and cycling facilities and often has vehicles along it travelling at high speeds. It is currently the only designated route/pathway for Matsqui 4 residents to visit their neighbours and family members. The multi-use pathway will provide an off-street, on-reserve alternative to walking or biking along 272 Street (which is under the jurisdiction of the Township of Langley). Matsqui First Nation is planning to build a multi-use pathway in the Matsqui 4 reserve (IR 4) residential area which is 225-metre long, 3-metres wide, and paved, through a greenspace, which will interconnect the residential area and lead to a local park. Before the asphalt multi-use pathway is built, the project site will be prepared. This will involve stripping, localized compaction, and minor grading. Two benches, pavement markings, and pedestrian level bollard luminaire lights are proposed for the multi-use pathway. The pathway, that is physically separated from motor vehicles, will be suitable for people of all ages and abilities to use for recreation and transportation purposes. The residents and future residents (9 additional infill housing units planned) have been leading the inclusion of this project in recent planning documents and have been involved in the design process to date, making the path truly a facility by the Matsqui community for the Matsqui community. The proposed paved pathway will accommodate elders, children and youth, and all community members for years to come.