The North Shore Trail Access Improvements Project looks at new access points and connections to the North Shore Trail and the Kempenfelt shoreline. The project includes the design and construction of access points and connections near three sites: Kempenfelt Park, St. Vincent Park, and Nelson Square.
This project, which includes recommendations for the North Shore Trail that were included in the approved 2023 Waterfront Strategic Plan Update, is being done to:
- increase access points and connections from the waterfront trail along Kempenfelt Drive to the North Shore Trail, and from the North Shore Trail to water's edge at select locations
- prioritize the naturalized state of the North Shore Trail
- improve drainage to reduce risk of pooling and flooding that impacts some areas of the trail
A preferred final design was informed by public feedback and will guide construction work.
Project Updates
September 12, 2025
There are anticipated disruptions and closures along and within the vicinity of the North Shore Trail between Wednesday September 17 and Friday September 19 for geotechnical studies as part of the North Shore Trail Access Improvements Project. Areas of impact include:
- Kempenfelt Park (use of the playground should not be impacted)
- North Shore Trail between Kempenfelt Park and Cook Street (trail closure)
- North Shore Trail between Cook Street and Vancouver Street (trail closure)
Any closures will occur intermittently across different areas and not all at once. Signage will be posted when an area is closed.
The Waterfront Trail (along Kempenfelt Drive), that runs parallel to the North Shore Trail, will remain open and we recommend using it as a detour.
Construction work is scheduled to start this fall and be complete in 2026.
Project Engagement
In March 2025, residents were invited to share feedback on North Shore Trail improvements through an online survey and pop-up events.
