NANAIMO — Following the implementation of sweeping burning bans across Vancouver Island, the Regional District of Nanaimo has closed a pair of popular mid-island trails.
A 21-kilometre section of the Trans Canada Trail between the Timberlands Rd. trailhead near Haslam Creek Suspension Bridge to the Harewood Mines Rd. trailhead has been shut down.
The trail, on Island Timberlands land, was closed due to increased fire risk. An RDN release said the logging company is closing all company property in the mid-island to the public due to the tinder-dry conditions.
The RDN’s Arrowsmith CPR Regional Trail that runs from Cameron Lake up to the old Arrowsmith ski hill has also been closed to the public.
Hikers looking to climb Mount Arrowsmith and Mount Cokely are advised there is still access to Mount Arrowsmith for the July 21-22 weekend via the Cameron Connector on Hwy. 4.
Smoking and fires of any kind are also banned in any RDN park or trail.
The closures will remain in effect until further notice.
The fire danger rating around the region is high, with pockets of extreme to the south.
You can stay up to date on access to Island Timberlands land here.