PRPA Enables Safety and Accessibility on Rushbrook Trail

EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2025

PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Prince Rupert’s Rushbrook Trail is safer and more accessible after the popular waterfront pathway underwent further structural upgrades. These latest improvements were funded through a collaboration between the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund and Kaien Island Trail Enhancement and Recreation Society (Kaien Trails) and represent their joint commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation for all community members on the North Coast.

PRPA invested $50,000 in this project, bringing its total contributions to Rushbrook Trail revitalization efforts to $885,000 since 2018. 

To make Rushbrook Trail more inclusive for people with varying mobilities, three steep sections of the pathway were regraded, significantly reducing the slopes in those areas. When planning these upgrades, Kaien Trails incorporated the Trans Canada Trail’s best practices and guidelines for designing and developing an ‘All Persons Trail’. These new safety improvements bring the pathway closer to being accessible to people of all abilities and enable much broader use of the scenic seaside pathway for residents and visitors alike.

“The repeated support from the Prince Rupert Port Authority helps ensure this beloved community asset remains a centerpiece of Prince Rupert’s network of walkways and makes it easier for people with limited mobility to safely experience one of the most used trails on the North Coast,” said Steve Milum, President, Kaien Island Trail Enhancement and Recreation Society. 

The upgrades to Rushbrook Trail are the latest in a series of investments by PRPA into enhancing Prince Rupert’s waterfront including the revitalization of Seal Cove Salt Marsh and development of the Millennium Walkway, Cow Bay Marina, Atlin Promenade, Atlin Terminal, and Northland Cruise Terminal. 

“PRPA remains committed to enabling greater access to the waterfront for all residents and the improvements to Rushbrook Trail will create a wide range of opportunities for more people to get outside and enjoy the views from one of the most unique pathways in BC,” said Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority.  

Community members are invited to a celebration to mark the reopening of the Rushbrook Trail on Sunday April 6^th. A free hot dog BBQ will be set up at the trailhead by the Rushbrook Floats from 12pm to 2pm. Participants are encouraged to park in Seal Cove, walk the trail and have a bite before looping back.

QUICK FACTS: 

• Rushbrook Trail was initially built by the City of Prince Rupert in 1985, following the closure of the CN rail line to Seal Cove.  
• Safety concerns from unstable rock and falling debris forced the city to close the path in 2003.  
• PRPA’s Community Investment Fund, Rotary Club of Prince Rupert, and Kaien Trails were key partners in its repair and reopening in 2018. 
• Kaien Trails maintains the city-owned asset for the benefit of the community. 

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ABOUT THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND

The Community Investment Fund is financed by a share of the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s annual net income that has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of the North Coast. By investing these funds into community projects, led mostly by dedicated local volunteers, the Port Authority has been able to share its financial success with the communities that enable it. Since 2010, more than $18.9 million has been committed to the Fund, helping to bring more than 115 local and regional projects to life. Each of these projects has filled an important role in supporting recreation, health and wellness, arts and culture, youth, education, the environment, and other needs in the community. 

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:   

Olivia Mowatt  
Senior Communications Officer 
Prince Rupert Port Authority   
250-627-2588 
omowatt@rupertport.com