The value of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, like any other asset or attraction, goes up or down in relation to its accessibility to the community.

With that concept in mind the Sooke district’s acting director of planning Gerald Christie presented a report which was included in the agenda of the regular council meeting of November 10.

The report advances the cause of bringing trail access to Sooke’s doorstep, and points out the idea is not a new one.

Chief administrative officer Evan Parliament added his support to the plan for a connector, of which there are three potential versions leading from the Goose across the Sooke River to Phillips Road.

“I applaud staff for bringing forward this exciting initiative,” Parliament is quoted in the CAO Comments section of the report. “The B.C. Government is encouraging municipalities to seize opportunities in these areas and is backing this claim by providing serious grant dollars. This initiative delivers on this provincial mandate.”

As mentioned, there are at least three possible locations for the connector and negotiations with various property owners. One route leads from the trail across property along Kirby Road while another two skirt the Butler Brothers gravel operation behind Edward Milne Community School.

Gerald Christie outlined each of these routes on a large map of the area and touched upon some of the details involved with each scenario. The Kirby Road option, he pointed out, seemed less promising in light of a partial quote (“...over my dead body”) attributed to an unidentified landowner.

The report illustrates how time is a factor in dealing with the issue.

“Significant grant funding opportunities include the Towns for Tomorrow Cycling Infrastructure Partnership Program and LocalMotion, all of which have application deadlines in January 2009.”

If staff can identify a specific route and have required permission, etc. in time for such funding assistance, another report would come before council in regard to specific grant applications.