Wye Lake Trail and Sign Post Forest Trail Enhancement Report

The Town of Watson Lake developed this concept plan to improve active transportation, accessibility, and community amenities by upgrading the Wye Lake Trail and creating a new multi-use pathway through the Sign Post Forest. The project aims to encourage year-round use, promote inclusivity for people of all ages and abilities, improve community well-being, and enhance visitor experiences with better amenities such as seating, signage, waste/recycling bins, and cultural interpretation.
Community engagement in fall 2022, through a town hall and an online survey, identified top priorities for the Wye Lake Trail as improving the trail surface, expanding winter access, and adding Kaska language signage. For the Sign Post Forest, priorities included more Kaska cultural and historical interpretation, additional benches, and more waste/recycling receptacles. Barriers to use included poor maintenance, perceived safety issues, and lack of accessibility.
The concept designs propose accessible trail loops, new trail connections, improved trailheads with maps, accessible washrooms, picnic areas, bicycle racks, and interpretive/wayfinding signage. The plan also incorporates cultural recognition of the Kaska Dena, expanded seating, and planting beds to improve aesthetics. Visualizations show upgraded surfaces, accessible boardwalks, and multi-use pathways designed to accommodate both residents and visitors year-round.