Trails connect our communities, take us to spectacular locations and provide fresh-air opportunities to get moving. Around the Columbia Basin, 29 projects will add to or improving the region’s trails, with over $484,000 from Columbia Basin Trust’s trail enhancement grants.
This three-year, $1.5-million program helps build new trails or rehabilitate existing ones that, for example, were damaged in storms or have aging infrastructure like bridges. The aim is to make trails more accessible and user-friendly to a wider variety of users, incorporate Indigenous cultural or heritage values, reduce environmental impacts or connect existing trails. Funding may also go toward amenities like signs and benches.
The Castlegar Friends of Parks and Trails Society will receive $5,191 to further develop the Merry Creek trails. This funding will be used to increase signage and rehabilitate the trail to improve accessibility for all users.
“Active, outdoor lifestyles are a prominent part of Basin culture, and we’re fortunate to be able to take in such beautiful natural settings,” said Tim Hicks, senior manager, delivery of benefits. “Basin residents told us it’s a priority for the Trust to support projects that make getting out into these areas even better, so that more diverse recreation opportunities are available for residents.”