Multi-agency partnership connects RDCK to Canada
By Contributor
A popular biking trail network at the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s Morning Mountain Regional Park in Blewett is connecting users to The Great Trail [Trans Canada Trail] (TCT), thanks to a multi-agency partnership.
Representatives from the Regional District of Central Kootenay, TCT, Columbia Basin Trust, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, the Nelson Cycling Club and Teck Metals Ltd. attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the park Tuesday (November 8th) to celebrate the endeavour.
“The connectivity of this project is outstanding,” said Ramona Faust, Chair of the RDCK’s Nelson, Salmo, E, F and G Parks Commission, referring not only to the Trail itself, but to the collaboration of the many sponsors and organizations.
Formerly a ski hill, Morning Mountain’s use shifted when the lodge was destroyed by a fire in 1999. Thanks to the vision of the Nelson Cycling Club, the area has evolved into a world-class mountain biking destination and hosts the Fat Tire Festival every year.
From May to November of this year, nearly 14,000 users enjoyed the site.
“A lot of people have memories of this place when it was a ski hill; now they can make new memories,” said Joel McBurney of the Nelson Cycling Club, the site’s steward.
The Club started construction of the trail network four years ago with the $30,000 in insurance money the RDCK received when the lodge burned down, as well as seed money from Recreation Sites and Trails BC. Rec Sites and Trails staff also provided necessary approvals, support and signage.
A key supporter in the development of the trails is Columbia Basin Trust, which has provided more than $74,000 to the Morning Mountain project.
“The Great Trail is such a big, worthwhile and long term project, yet its roots are in the work of local biking clubs and volunteers,” said Kelvin Saldern, Manager of Community Relationships with the Trust.
“Congratulations to all those who supported the Trail development and worked hard on building the Trail. We’re happy to see it adding to the outdoor amenities that keep people in the West Kootenay active and outdoors.”
Echoing Saldern’s sentiment was Thompson Hickey, general manager of Teck Metals Ltd.
“Teck is a passionate supporter of the Trail for it connects communities and people and their stories. It makes this an even greater place to live.”
Sarah Meunier, BC Trail Coordinator of TCT said that the project’s success is largely due to the generous support of Teck Metals Ltd., which donated $1 million to connect the Trail through the Kootenays. TCT contributed $62,700 to the Morning Mountain Project.
Director Faust hailed the project as an example of what can be achieved when local government works with other levels of government, agencies, businesses and volunteers on a shared purpose.
Morning Mountain Regional Park is located at 2548 Blewett Ski Hill Road, four kilometres west of Nelson.
For more information about The Great Trail, visit this link.
