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Tofino links Multi-Use Path to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

New addition connects Tofino to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve’s northern border.
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An extension to Tofino’s Multi-Use Path links the community to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. (District of Tofino photo)

Tofino cheered the official opening of its newest Multi-Use Path extension last week.

The 2.8 kilometre addition to the path’s existing 6-kilometre pedestrian, jogger and bicyclist haven spans from Tofino’s visitor centre at Cox Bay to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve’s northern border.

“The multi-use path extension intimately connects locals and visitors to experience Tofino’s stunning beauty,” said Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA and Tofino’s former mayor Josie Osborne.“Through our CleanBC plan, the province is committed to making active transportation safe, easy and convenient for all people— and we are a proud contributor to this project. I’ll be on my bike using this trail to commute around town as much as possible, I hope to see you out there!”

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The $3.9 million project was paid for with support from the provincial and federal governments, Island Coastal Economic Trust and Resort Municipality Initiative funding.

“This has been a highly anticipated project that will transform how visitors and locals travel and experience Pacific Rim Park and the region,” said ICET Chair Aaron Stone. “This new year-round outdoor tourism and community amenity will enable visitors and locals to leave their vehicles behind and experience a closer, cleaner and more sustainable connection to the region’s amazing offerings.”

Work on the extension began back in 2019 after the Park Reserve announced an ambitious plan to build a 22-kilometre trail between its northern and southern borders and local leaders raised concern over the safety of cyclists and pedestrians attempting to navigate through a then-treacherous stretch of shoulderless highway to access that trail from Tofino.

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“Tofino’s Council and residents are excited to see the extension of Tofino’s Multi-Use Path completed. Having a safe, non-motorized connection to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve—and eventually to Ucluelet—not only enhances the quality of life for our region’s residents, but also brings benefits to those who visit us from across Canada and around the world,” said Tofino’s acting mayor Coun. Duncan McMaster. “Projects like these can only happen with partnerships between all levels of government and we’re very appreciative of the collaboration that has brought us to completion.”

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