Updated project design offers many benefits

The original concept of this project was to upgrade the Pumphouse Trail only and install a metal staircase - hence the project name 'Eby Staircase'. An engineering review by McElhanney in 2023, however, determined the concept to be infeasible given that the budget is limited to a set amount of grant funds the City received for this project. The project has since evolved to include the upgrading of two trails, and the stairs on the Pumphouse Trail to be installed in key sections and made of natural materials (wood and stone).

This updated design and the overall project presents numerous benefits:

• Two new official trails resulting in an expanded trail network and new recreation opportunities
• Improved walking and cycling accessibility between the Bench and the neighbourhoods and city below
• New trail design is easier to maintain, which will result in future cost savings
• More natural stairs and materials will have less of an environmental and visual impact
• Elimination of trespassing on private land
• Removal and replacement of old infrastructure