‘No trespassing’ signs posted by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) around popular trails in the Mount Seymour area are leaving many local outdoor enthusiasts frustrated.
The signs read, “Unauthorized access for recreational or any other activities is strictly prohibited. The owner is not responsible for damage or loss to property or personal injury.”
The trails where these signs have been spotted include Severed, Good Sir Martin, Rapid Transit Connector, Corkscrew, Pangor Connector, Blair Range, Cardiac, Salamander, Penny Lane and many others. See the full list here.
CMHC co-owns a 644-acre plot of land in North Vancouver, adjacent to parks that are popular with trail users.
However, CMHC says the land is not a park or a recreation area.
Karine LeBlanc with CMHC told Global News updated and additional signage was put in place reflecting current and long-standing policy with respect to use and access to the property.
“At its core, this is a safety issue,” said LeBlanc.
She says the signs were installed as an immediate measure.
“We recognize the concerns raised as a result of this updated signage,” said LeBlack. “Currently, steps are being taken to engage with interested parties, including the province and the local municipality, with a view to considering options for future use and ensuring a co-ordinated approach to managing and monitoring the use of the property.”
Approximately 25 signs were posted on different trails.
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Stephanie Smiley with the District of North Vancouver says the installation of the signs came as a bit of a surprise for them.
“We have encouraged CMHC to issue a statement detailing their intentions with their land,” said Smiley.
Meanwhile, trail users are left angered by the new signage.
Rachid Nayel with the North Shore Mountain Bike Association says they have received emails from their members, trail runners, hikers, mountaineering groups and non-trail users expressing their dismay at the trail closures.
“It’s difficult to concede the loss of such a vibrant and developed trail network, much of which is multi-user and not mountain bike specific,” said Nayel.
Despite the frustrations, the association is asking its members to respect the signage.
The Ministry of Environment, which operates the adjacent Mount Seymour Provincial Park, said the signs have not been placed on public park lands and Mount Seymour Park remains open for public use.
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