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
August 26, 2026
The City has awarded the project. Site preparation work is happening the week of August 24, with no impacts to trail access. Construction is expected to begin August 28.
Sections of the North Shore Trail will require closure where improvements to the trail are being made. Specific trail area closures include a portion of the trail located south of Kempenfelt Park, a portion of the trail located south of St. Vincent Park and a portion of the trail located south of Nelson Square. View the trail closure sign.
The temporary detour route for pedestrian trail users will be the municipal sidewalk along Dunlop Street East and the mixed-use pathway along Kempenfelt Drive.
The temporary detour route for cyclists will be Dunlop Street East and Kempenfelt Drive. Please note that the on-street cycling portion of the detour may not be suitable or comfortable for all riders. Cyclists who are not comfortable riding in mixed traffic should dismount and walk their bicycle using the pedestrian route.
Signage providing notice of closure will be posted throughout the trail at formal and informal access points, and where improvements to the trail are being made.
The City will continue to provide notice of any changes to trail access and will work to minimize any further disruption where possible.
Project Engagement
In March 2025, residents were invited to share feedback on North Shore Trail improvements through an online survey and pop-up events.
