Trail Users,
The road to saving Ledgeview’s trails has been a long one. Over the past six years the FVMBA has worked hard and made meaningful progress. We have worked with Auguston to sanction Noodley Appendage, engaged directly with developers and the City of Abbotsford, and participated in the most well attended community engagement session the city has ever seen. Our efforts even gained significant media attention.
Despite this, and overwhelming public opposition to the City’s plan, council still voted unanimously to approve the McKee Peak Neighbourhood Plan, a decision which puts many of our most loved trails at risk.
While several developers have expressed willingness to help preserve trails, contribute funding to other networks, and collaborate with the FVMBA, the City has yet to show that same level of commitment. They have, however, allocated $75,000 for a trail study. We are hoping this as a sign they may be open to incorporating real trails into McKee Peak’s development.
Our concern is that when municipalities talk about “trails,” they often mean gravel paths and paved walkways—not the singletrack mountain biking, hiking, and running trails we’re fighting to protect. All trail users need to let the City know they want to preserve as much of Ledgeview’s hand-built, singletrack network as possible and we only have until September 12th to do so.
Make your voice heard and please share this message with your friends and family!
Here’s how you can take action right now:
1. Fill out the City’s Community Trail User Survey
The survey is short and mostly multiple choice, but pay special attention to Question #13: “What trails do you love and why?”
Tell the story of Ledgeview—how the trails are accessible, local, beautiful, and well-maintained, and how they serve bikers, hikers, trail runners, families, kids, and dog walkers alike.
2. Share your thoughts and ideas through the City’s platform.
3. Support land purchases on McKee Peak to connect existing trails.
4. Advocate for sanctioning of existing and new trails (like Long Way Home).
5. Advocate for annual funding for FVMBA from the City of Abbotsford City to develop and maintain trails
This is our moment to stand up for the trails we love. Let’s make our voices too strong to ignore.
Thank you for your time and support.
Yoshia Burton
FVMBA President
