To: Jordan Lee, Executive Director
From: Wynn Holmberg, Fundraising Associate
Subject: Proposal Idea for TELUS #StandWithOwners Contest: Accessible & Inclusive Trail Signage Upgrades

 

Hello Jordan,

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I’m emailing you to propose a project idea that we could submit to the TELUS #StandWithOwners content. There is $50,000 in funding available for an initiative that demonstrates growth, technology use, community impact.

 

Existing Access and Inclusion Gaps in Trail signage

The trails that we manage in the Cowichan valley currently have inconsistent wayfinding, limited accessibility information (grade, surface, distance), and signage that is not meeting universal design standards. Without this information on signs our trails are less accessible and less desirable to some people in our community. This information is vital for some trail users to identify if a trail is suitable for them or not. Improving the trail signage within our trail networks would help us stand out as an inclusive trail area in the region that is focused on providing outdoor recreation access to everyone.

 

Proposed Solution

By developing new accessible signage that follows universal design principles the CTSS could enhance our local network and set a new standard for trail accessibility on Vancouver Island. The new signage would include braille, high-contrast visuals, and other universal design standards. (Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, n.d.) Trail accessibility information such as length, width, and slope would also be clearly stated on all signage. (Parks Canada, n.d.)

 

Signs will also include QR codes that would link trail users to existing trail apps that have more details information about wayfinding and trail rating specifics. By collaborating with trail apps such as TrailForks and AllTrails we could also give trail users the ability to report accessibility issues or barriers via the QR codes. I suggest that we implement this new signage at Mt Tzouhalem initially because it is the most popular trail network within the Cowichan valley with over 70 trails of varying types and difficulties. (TrailForks, n.d.)

 

Anticipated Costs

Budget Estimate ($50,000)

• Accessible sign design & consultation: ~$10,000

• Trail signage production: ~$20,000

• Installation & materials: ~$12,000

• Application Collaboration (QR-linked maps/info): ~$8,000

 

Conclusion & Next Steps

Please let me know if you want me to continue researching this opportunity. I am happy to prepare a briefing note for you to review and make an informed decision on how best to move forward with this project.

 

Thank you!

 

Wynn Holmberg

 

 

References​

Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. (n.d.) Signage Design. Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. Retrieved on January 25, 2026 from https://universaldesign.ie/communications-digital/customer-communications-toolkit-a-universal-design-approach/customer-communications-toolkit-a-universal-design-approach-navigation/written-communication-2/signage-design

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Parks Canada. (n.d.) Design Guidelines for Accessible Outdoor Recreation Facilities. Parks Canada. Retrieved on January 25, 2026 from https://sci-bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/parks-canada-design-guidelines-for-accessible-outdoor-recreation-facilities.pdf

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TrailForks. (n.d.) Mount Tzouhalem Mountain Biking Trails. TrailForks. Retrieved on January 25, 2026 from https://www.trailforks.com/region/mount-tzouhalem/