If you have not discovered it yet, check out the Looking Glass Trail, which as of this May, celebrates its first birthday.
Approximately one year ago, with little fanfare but a strong sense of achievement, the Looking Glass Trail between the north end of Tantalus Road and the east end of Depot was completed.
There are a large number of people and organizations to thank for making this important trail link between the Ray Peters and Wonderland trails and Brackentrail possible.
An immense debt of gratitude is owed to the following individuals and organizations. During the planning stages and initial work: Jim Harvey, present and past mayors and councils, District of Squamish operations and planning staff, Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association, Squamish Trails Society, as well as, Alistair McCrone, the provincial forestry Trails and Recreation Sites co-ordinator, and Cascade Environmental’s Mike Nelson, who provided on the ground guidance, advice and oversight.
Kudos to intergovernmental co-operation with non-profit organizations to strengthen community infrastructure. It was great to see how well our municipal and provincial levels of government and their staff work for the common benefit of our citizens.
Funding for the project was provided by a grant from the Trans Canada Trail Foundation and by Polygon as part of their commitment to off-site trails linked to their Garibaldi Springs Project.
Lastly, we need to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to Ted Tempany of Dream Wizards Events and Mike Reed, who began physical work on the trail in October 2020, pre-pandemic.
They worked through the winter and into the spring, breaking rock, installing drainage, building up a trail bed, and topping it with local mineral soil. They endured tough terrain and challenging weather to finish this trail by May 1.
Thanks is also owed to the unnamed folks who helped Ted and Mike with survey work, danger tree removal, operating the mud buggies, and dropping by to offer help and encouragement.
Money may pay the bills, but it is the opportunity to contribute to our community and the notes of appreciation that keeps all those involved donating their time, experience, and expertise on these projects.
Although only in its first year, we hope that this trail will outlive us all and be enjoyed by future generations allowing them to connect to nature and their neighbours.
Matt Parker
Squamish Trails Society
