Little River (Demamiel Creek) Crossing

• Approximate length: 600 metres
• Surface: gravel trail with boardwalk sections
• Environment: forested ravine and creek crossing
• Includes short, steep grades:
  • Approximately 20 metres on the east side
  • Approximately 40 metres on the west side
• Designed as a nature trail, not a paved or urban pathway

• East access: Sunriver Way, near 2386 Sunriver Way
• West access: via Poirier Elementary School, connecting to the Ponds Park Corridor

Little River Crossing is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Trail maintenance is managed by District of Sooke Parks. The District works in collaboration with the community to help steward public spaces and ensure trails remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.

If you notice maintenance concerns or issues along the trail, please submit a service request so they can be addressed.

As of January 5, 2026, the trail has reached substantial completion and is open for use. Some final enhancements are underway, including signage, benches, and pedestrian-activated flashers near the east trailhead. 

An opening celebration is planned for spring 2026, once final finishing touches are complete. Details will be shared closer to the event.

Little River Crossing is approximately 600 metres long.

Little River Crossing is a nature trail, not an urban or fully paved pathway. It includes gravel surfaces, boardwalk sections, a bridge deck, and varied terrain within a forested ravine.

Yes. Little River Crossing includes short, steep grades—approximately 20 metres on the east side and 40 metres on the west side. Due to these grades, along with its natural setting and gravel surface, the trail is not universally accessible. These steeper sections are brief but may be challenging for some users.

Little River Crossing was designed as a nature trail within a forested ravine, rather than as an urban, fully paved pathway. Providing a universally accessible route through this landscape would require additional structures, including retaining walls, as well as hard surfacing, which would increase both costs and environmental impacts.

Given these constraints and budget considerations, the project focused on creating a pedestrian nature trail that balances neighbourhood connectivity with environmental stewardship. The District has submitted a subsequent grant application to assist with addressing the steepest grade on the eastern portion of the trail; however, the outcome of this application is not expected to be known until later in 2026.

The project was funded through:

• $1.3 million in federal active transportation funding
• $500,000 in provincial active transportation funding
• Approximately $500,000 in Development Cost Charges

While the capital infrastructure for the project was funded through non–property tax funding sources, ongoing maintenance is supported by Parks Operations, which is funded through municipal property taxation.