Victoria staff: trail connection at new roundabout delayed by utility work; update expected in spring

Committee members asked for a status update on a trail connection at the new roundabout near Hunters Brook. Jenna Smith, parks and arts director, told the committee the trail extension encountered utility conflicts during construction that required relocations and have delayed completion.

"When they were doing the trail they ran into some complications where the utilities were, so we had to relocate and that delayed the work," Smith said, and added she would coordinate with the city engineer and provide an update if the connection could not be finished before winter.

Staff said the original plan had aimed to complete the connection by year‑end but winter construction windows make spring the likely timeframe for finishing outstanding work. The committee asked staff to follow up with the city engineer and report back at the next meeting so the committee can monitor trail continuity and avoid persistent gaps along the Pioneer Trail/Victoria Drive corridor.

Why it matters

The trail connection closes a gap between the new roundabout and Hunters Brook and improves safe pedestrian/bicycle access. Committee members said leaving the gap open would worsen trail discontinuities and requested staff track progress and report back.

Next steps

Staff will contact the city engineer, verify the current schedule and provide an update to the committee at the next meeting (anticipated in spring if winter conditions delay work).