The trail is officially getting paved after a sod-turning event
By Shara JJ Cooper
Phase one of the trail enhancement project between Grand Forks and Christina Lake has officially begun.
On Thursday, officials held a sod-turning event at the trail head by the Nursery Trestle near Roxul.
Member of Legislature (MLA) Linda Larson was there along with city councillors Michael Wirischagin Bob Kendel , Patrick O’Doherty, Cher Wyers, and Gary Smith and Mayor Brian Taylor. City of Greenwood Mayor Nipper Kettle was also there to show his support for the project.
During the first phase, a 1.8 km stretch of the Columbia and Western Rail Trail from 68th Avenue to the Nursery Trestle will be paved. This will make it more accessible to everyone – including those with disabilities — and allow people more options when they want to travel between Grand Forks and Christina Lake.
The new trail will also make it easier for users to access swimming and fishing spots along the trail as well as the Gilpin Grasslands Provincial Park.
It is anticipated that phase one will be finished this fall. The work starts Sept. 16 and will be finished in mid-November.
The bulk of the funding is coming from the City of Grand Forks and the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations with the Ministry paying $100,000 and the City contributing $118,000.
“Nowadays it’s partnerships that makes things happen,” said Larson at the sod-turning. “It takes communities, it takes organizations and it takes lots and lots of volunteers.
The Trans Canada Trail Foundation, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, Grand Forks Community Trail Society, Roxul and Interfor are also project partners.
