In 2020, the Gabriola Land and Trails Trust (GaLTT) teamed up with the Gabriola Lions to work together and make the Gabriola Sands Provincial Park more accessible to all Gabriolans with mobility challenges. That summer, GaLTT applied for and received an initial funding grant of $4,500 for Phase #1 and approval from BC Parks to start work on creating an enlarged Picnic Table area, a Viewing Stand, and a Wheelchair-Friendly Outhouse. The Lions agreed to prepare a path that connects these points to the two parking lots. On 20 Feb 2021, in less than an hour’s worth of hard work (using lawn tractors, wheelbarrows, rakes and shovels), 31 Gabriola Lions, family and friends moved 30 tons of gravel to create a 100 yd long and 5 ft wide path that meanders through the woods alongside Pilot Bay. The very fine gravel will now be packed down into a wonderful trail that will be accessible to wheelchairs and overlooks one on the most beautiful beaches on Gabriola Island. It was an amazing response by all of our members and it was nice to get together in person once again – albeit in a very respectful, COVID-friendly way.


