Twin Pine Hill could offer an accessible view that rivals Pilots' Monument

A new trail system on Yellowknife's Twin Pine Hill has the potential to offer a view to rival the finest in the city and that's wheelchair accessible.

But first the city is asking the public to offer their input.

City of Yellowknife Planning and Development staff are leading guided public walks ofthe the proposed Twin Pine Hill trail system. The tour builds on information gatheredthrough an online survey conducted this spring and through winter walks in thesame area.

People who take part will be asked to consider the access points from Franklin Avenue, thedesign of the proposed lookout at the summit and overall trail details.

The major concerns revolve around accessibility and whether the trail should be wheelchair-and stroller-friendly or accessible on foot only.

That could affect the cost.

A total budget of $500,000 has been allocated forthe project with half the fundscoming from the city and the other from YK Land HoldingsCorp.,the developer of the Twin Pine Hill condos. That budgetcould also be supplemented by city council.

Trail design options

Right now, a clearing 11metres wide exists.

An accessible path to the summit would require seven switchbacks.

Alternately, a wider trail with only four switchbacks could be built, but would require 20more metres of clearing and blasting.

The Trail Design Options plan shows two possible amenities at the top of the hill: a viewpoint platform or a larger and more costly promenade, with the possibility of having both.

Plans also exist to maximize the length of the trail and include access fromSchool Draw Ave., 44th St. and more from Franklin Ave.

The city is also looking to gather more information on what kind of wayfinding, signage,seating and waste bins residentswould like to see on the trails.

'The right way' to go about it

Bob Gamble, who frequently takes walks around the city, went on the city's walk in the winter and again on Tuesday, June 22.

For him the second walk reconfirmed the encouragement he felt on the proposed plans.

"If they have to develop ina beautiful place like this providing for public access, I think they're going about this theright way," he said.

Gamble is interested in keeping as much space open to the public when developments likethese happen, noting that it's also nice to get some say.

The city hopes to start construction on at least part of the trail system by the end of this summer and have it in place before next.

The next two walks are scheduled for Thursday, June 23 at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday,June 25 at noon starting at Sunlines Alterations and Convenience store at4310 50th Ave.

• Get a closer view of the proposed trails