ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced Upscheek Tashee) was a transformative $51 Million active transportation project leaving a legacy that includes a 25-kilometer, hard surfaced, multi-use path through the Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (Park) on the west coast of Vancouver Island in the traditional territories & lands of the Tla-o-qui-aht & YuułuɁiłɁatḥ First Nations. The successful path creation required extensive collaboration, cooperation, discussion & engagement through all phases, between the client, contractor, designer, aboriginal leaders, & stakeholders. In addition to 25-kms of new 2-way multi-use path, the fully constructed project includes: 3 bridges over fish bearing streams, 370 lineal meters of elevated boardwalks over sensitive wetlands, 4 new highway culverts, 8 highway culvert extensions, 60 amphibian culverts, 180 pathway culverts, 7 major retaining walls (up to 5m in height), 700 lineal meters of highway widening & slope stabilization, 11 Fisheries Enhancement sites, & mitigation of former slides & general slope stabilization of a 20m high foreshore slope to facilitate trail switchbacks.

Parsons was lead designer & overall Engineer of Record. WSP who served as Geotechnical Engineer of Record was also a key partner on this legacy project that was developed to enhance safe & efficient movement of people in & through the Park. The project increased attractiveness & access to active transportation for all visitors & locals within the Park, local First Nation communities, & between the municipalities of Tofino & Ucluelet. The project provides an alternative travel option allowing users to experience the Park’s sustainable & unique natural environment. Scope of work included site investigation, design, tender, construction services, & contract management throughout the 6-year project.

A successful component of the project was the true commitment to collaboration that was demonstrated by the design team, client, & local First Nations

The 18 alignment options were identified/developed, & collaboratively evaluated. Options were developed concurrently with environmental, archeological, & cultural studies to minimize impacts & providing access to unique habitats. First Nations consultations provided key input in developing the final alignment.
Collaborative weekly meetings with civil, geotechnical, environmental & archeological consultant specialists, & Parks Canada allowed the team to identify issues, address construction challenges & generate collaborative solutions. Innovative bridge & elevated trail designs were developed to create a stable trail structure & respect environmentally sensitive site conditions.

Various construction methods & products were analyzed. Construction methodologies & sequencing were modified to accommodate a range of ground & weather conditions while protecting environmental & archeological resources. Adjustments to design were implemented in response to site conditions & schedule including specialized trail structures, fisheries enhancements, micro-routing, & safety features. Construction continued safely during the pandemic through strict safety protocols.

The Wayii Area (Escarpment) that switchbacks down a 20m high foreshore slope in challenging soil conditions required significant co-operation & planning. Design limited impacts to the environment, particularly Veteran Class trees & stabilized a marginally stable section of slope with unloading & buttress works.

The project delivered a legacy active transportation facility in an environmentally & culturally sensitive area under locally challenging ground conditions. Immediately following the June 2022 opening, the trail has been used & enjoyed by both local communities as well as visitors to the Park & the Districts of Tofino and Ucluelet. The completed project provides a safe & reliable alternative to vehicle travel along the corridor & a world class amenity for residents & tourists alike.