The City of Parksville plans to decommission the Sutherland Stairs beach access and create a new trail connection.
Council approved a motion to add the stairs as a project for 2027 in the financial plan.
“Council has received some correspondence with respect to concerns around the Sutherland stairs," said director of finance Jedha Holmes during council's Nov. 18 meeting.
The project consists of two parts: $25,000 for the decommission and new trail connection and $75,000 to rehabilitate the ravine. The latter figure can be funded through the Local Government Climate Action Program without an impact on property taxes, according to Holmes.
The $25,000 will probably need to be funded through taxes, but city staff will look for grants, she added.
“It’s a liability now and so we have to do something," said Mayor Doug O'Brien. "It’s scary, so I believe it’s best that we get on with this.”
Staff will check back with council regarding the project in 2026.
