Wheelchair users and those with mobility issues will be able to access more of the region's forest trails thanks to a donation of a rickshaw-like vehicle to the Regional District of Nanaimo.
In 2024, Murray Chantler donated a trail rider to the RDN, allowing a seated rider to be guided by two other people, and RDN directors approved a pilot rental program at their committee of the whole meeting Tuesday, May 20. The vehicle can now be borrowed for use on Morden Colliery and Lighthouse Country regional trails, Moorecroft Regional Park and Coombs to Parksville rail trail.
The committee recommended $7,000 for storage and maintenance, with only Parksville Mayor Doug O'Brien opposed, citing concerns about liability.
"To suggest that it's going to allow better access to our trails doesn't [account] for the fact that we have now entered into the very portable electric age, where individuals that have had difficulties in mobility now have abilities to plug in with various devices, from trikes, scooters … carrying, what is going to be, a 200-pound load on a one-wheel machine, it's just an accident waiting to happen," he said.
Sheryl Armstrong, Nanaimo director and co-chairperson of City of Nanaimo's advisory committee on accessibility, said she was 100 per cent in favour.
"We've heard from the accessibility committee that they would like to see more of these types of options out on our trails," she said. "I get that there's limitations because a truck is needed [to transport it], but most people that are taking people with wheelchairs either have a big SUV or a truck … I think all the waivers and [loan] agreements are all in there. So I think as a trial basis, it's certainly worthwhile looking into."
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog also spoke in favour, stating it will be of "enormous benefit" for the people who utilize it.
"From an economic development perspective within the disabilities community, if they see how successful this is, I'm sure some smart, entrepreneurial private enterpriser will come forward and start to offer this service on their own, and will create a new field of employment and accessibility," he said.
People would book using a system already in place, a staff report stated. The program is anticipated to run from June to August.
