A popular hiking trail in the Lower Sahali region of Kamloops is getting a major face lift.

The Xget’tem’ Trail leading into Peterson Creek Park is going to be shut down during the weekdays from the end of this month, October 28th, through to April.

The City says it’s needed to prevent continued erosion of the Lower Springhill Creek next to the trail, which it says has been required for the last decade, after a 2014 rain storm did significant damage to the area.

“The full scope of work will include upgrading the drainage pipework that supplies the creek, armouring portions of the creek with rip-rap (large rocks) that slows the water flow rate and prevents future erosion, and restorative planting,” said the City of Kamloops in a release detailing the work.

The City says the Xget’tem’ Trail will be opened up on the weekends for access.

“The popular trail will reopen for trail users on Friday evenings for weekend use. Trail closure information will be posted at trailheads,” said the City. “As the trail is considered an all ages and abilities facility, there are no suitable equivalent routes as alternatives.”

It says the Trail will look significantly different once the initial work is complete.

“All mature conifers will be retained,” said the City. “However, some smaller trees and large shrubs will need to be removed to locally reshape the creek and preserve the integrity of Xget’tem’ Trail. Non-invasive and regionally sourced trees will be replanted in their place, improving the ground cover long-term beyond what it currently is.”

The City says once that work is completed in April, additional work will continue in May to continue replanting.

However, it says the Trail will remain fully open during that portion of the project.