The Powell River Regional District is receiving $67,114 for Haywire Bay Trail upgrades that will make the trail more accessible to users, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

The project includes construction of new retaining walls, building up and widening the trail bed and installing boardwalks. The upgraded trail will serve a population of approximately 20,000 residents, as well as visitors to the area and adjoining campground. In addition, the trail will be part of the infrastructure for a new wilderness camp for persons with disabilities.

Under the $30-million Community Recreation Program, the Province is funding up to 80 per cent of eligible costs for 98 projects that will enhance recreation infrastructure provincewide. Projects include trails, bike paths, walkways, playgrounds and other indoor or outdoor recreation centres.

The total value of approved projects is more than $70 million, which will create an estimated 458 direct jobs and 251 indirect jobs.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"Encouraging healthy, safe physical activity for people of all ages and abilities is a priority for our Province, and projects like this go a long way towards getting people outside and enjoying the natural beauty of B.C."

"Improvements like accessible trails also make our communities more attractive to families and new businesses, which provide jobs and other economic benefits."

Learn More:

For more information on the Community Recreation Program, go to: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/infra/infrastructure_grants/community_recreation_program.htm

Learn more about the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association at: http://www.bcrpa.bc.ca/

Contact:

Gillian Rhodes
Communications Manager
Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 888-1462