Bowen Island is blessed with a magnificent natural environment, abundant wildlife habitat, clean waters, and ample outdoor recreation opportunities for its residents and visitors. The Municipality encourages the development of Greenways to promote environmental conservation and protection, recreation and eco-tourism, as well as community health and wellness.
Greenways are natural areas. Some Greenways will function almost exclusively for environmental conservation and are not designed for human interactions such as the Ecological Reserve. Other Greenway areas have integrated trails that accommodate a variety of uses such as hiking, biking, or equestrian use such as Crippen Park. The Municipality has been creating Greenways throughout the island as opportunities arise though rezonings and through volunteer efforts.
The Planning Department is working on an island-wide Greenways Strategy to help guide the development of Greenways. The Greenways Strategy could potentially establish a broad framework for future Greenways initiatives. The Greenways Strategy helps guide future policy and bylaw development, rezoning and development disucssions, as well as the creation of new trails and parks plans.
The Benefits of Greenways
- Economical Benefit - The presence of Greenways support spin off economic benefits for eco-tourism opportunities.
- Environmental Benefit - Greenways improve water quality by naturally filtering water and air and provide habitat for a diversity of plant and animal species.
- Recreational Benefit - Greenways support active living by creating opportunities for activities such as walking, hiking, biking, and horse riding.
- Social/Community Benefit - Greenways provide opportunities for people to recreate and socialize together. It promotes connectivity between neighbourhoods and also cross island.
Planning Initiatives
Trail Assessment and Maintenance Request Form
Greenways Advisory Committee
Communications and Articles
Community Greenways Resources
