New trail links two Mission-area lakes

Mission's forestry staff have quietly wrapped up work on a new trail that connects two popular hiking routes north of town.

The new Roli Poli Oli Trail links established loops around Rolley Lake and Devils Lake. It runs roughly parallel to Florence Lake Forest Service Road. It starts, at its south end, near Rolley Falls. You can find maps of the trail, and others in the area, here and here. Now that the trail is completed, those wanting to hike around both lakes in a single trip can make a 14-kilometre trek without using a road.

The project is one of several in the Stave West Forest and Recreation Area. A new report to council reveals that the city—which also oversees activities in the sprawling municipal-run community forest north of town—is adding 60 sites to the lakefront Kearsley Creek campsite. Work has also begun on a new trail to Mt. Crickmer.

Mission's forestry operations ended 2024 with a profit of just over $600,000. That's much larger than the anticipated profit of $627,000, but less than the previous year, when the city's forestry operations raked in more than $7.5 million. Forestry officials say tariffs on softwood lumber could impact revenues in 2025. But the city also has the option of harvesting trees in future years, if prices this year are too low.