The Chawathil First Nations band created the “Éy Kw’as émi” (it is good that you have come) walking path to make the community a safer and more walkable area.
The initial plan was to create a walking path near the main entrance to the community, providing a safe walking route between the community centre and the bus stop and creating a traffic-free space for people of all ages to exercise and increase community connection. The plan increases safety as it decreases walking traffic along Chawathil Rd and Hwy #7 by creating a parallel access to increase walkability and welcome of our community. The Chawathil Rd intersection is the most dangerous intersection on the Chawathil First Nation Reserve. Since 2017, there were 5 crashes (ICBC 2023) including 2 injuries/fatalities.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the construction of the Éy Kw’as émi walking path was relocated to Schkam 2. There is projected growth here in the next couple years as the Chawathil band builds around 30 additional dwellings close to this path. The pathway will link to future active transportation projects that will seek to remove pedestrians and cyclists from highway traffic and provide alternatives for individuals who previously walked on existing roadway within the community.
