ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (Upscheek Tashee)

Owner: Parks Canada  |  Between Tofino & Ucluelet, BC

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About the Project

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

Approach

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.

Results

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.

Service(s) Provided
– Conceptual Design,
– Functional Design,
– Detailed Design,
– Structural Design,
– Drainage Design,
– Path Signage Design,
– Highway Widening Design,
– Geotechnical Design of unstable slopes and retaining walls
– Parking Lot Design,
– Cost Estimates,
– Value Engineering,
– Tender Preparation and Support During Tender,
– Contract Administration and Inspection Services During Construction

Project Team (Consultants)
Current Environmental

Millennia Research
Strategic Natural Resource Consultants 
Alpine Design Group
Van Bower Construction Services

Lombard North Group 

F.N. Edwards Consultants

AG Survey
Amec Foster Wheeler

West Coast Consulting

Project Team (Contractors)
Hazelwood Construction Services
IWCE Excavation
Okanagan Aggregates 
Hub City Paving 

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