A map of the Community Forest Trails in Chilliwack. (Image Credit: City of Chilliwack)
Recreation

Council to consider agreement with Chilliwack Park Society to manage Community Forest Trails

Feb 16, 2026 | 11:16 AM

CHILLIWACK — When Chilliwack City Council sits down Tuesday (Feb 17) for their regular meeting, one of the items on their agenda will be the consideration of a new five-year management agreement with the Chilliwack Park Society for Chilliwack’s Community Forest trail network.

City staff is recommending council approve the agreement, which would run from March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2031. Under the agreement, the Chilliwack Park Society would manage and maintain the Community Trails.

The Community Forest Trails include the city-owned 132-acre property at the end of Ruddock Road and a nine-acre parcel at Lexw Qwo:m Park on the eastern side of Chilliwack.

The City began developing the Community Forest Trails more than ten years ago with the Chilliwack Park Society and the Fraser Valley Mountain Bikers Association. Since the partnership was formed, more than three kilometres of multi-use trails have been built, primarily by volunteers and donations from local businesses.

Under the new agreement, the society will assume sole responsibility for managing both Lexw Qwo:m Park and the Community Forest lands. In the meantime, the Mountain Bikers Association is transferring its partnership to the park society.

The staff report states the society will provide the services without financial funds from the city.  It will be responsible for trail maintenance, ecological restoration, and signage. The society must carry a $5 million liability insurance policy and indemnify the City.