Thanks to a multi-level partnership to enhance B.C.'s rail trail network, a portion of the Columbia and Western Rail Trail will soon be safer and more accessible to visitors of all ages, including those with disabilities, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the City of Grand Forks announced today.

The first phase of a multi-phase project includes a new paved surface for a 1.8-kilometre section of the trail from 68th Avenue in Grand Forks to the Nursery Trestle. The upgrade is part of a partnership between the Province and the City of Grand Forks for a 17-kilometre trail enhancement project from Grand Forks to Christina Lake. Phase one of the project is expected to be completed this fall.

Funding for phase one includes $100,000 from the ministry's Recreation Sites and Trails BC program for site and trail maintenance and improvements and $118,000 from the City of Grand Forks. The Grand Forks Community Trails Society and the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary also have been major players in getting this project to the final stages.

The project will provide a safe alternative for non-motorized users to Highway 3 and easy access to Gilpin Grasslands Provincial Park, as well as increased access to swimming, fishing and wildlife viewing areas along the trail.

The provincial rail trails network across southern B.C. makes up more than half of the 1,600-kilometre Trans Canada Trail. These trails hold significant benefits for trail users and communities along the trail, including both improved quality of life for residents, and increased tourism revenue.

The Columbia and Western Rail Trail is designated Trans Canada Trail and supports the countrywide goal to complete the trail across Canada by 2017.

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -

"The Province is excited to partner with local governments and community organizations along B.C.'s Rail Trail Network to increase awareness of our trail systems and develop and promote a world-class recreation trail."

MLA for Boundary-Similkameen Linda Larson -

"Paving this portion of the trail will provide people of all ages, and visitors with mobility issues, the opportunity to experience and enjoy the beautiful Boundary country safely. It will support active and healthy communities and will provide increased quality recreation activity."

Mayor Brian Taylor, City of Grand Forks -

"Grand Forks will benefit greatly from this project. Trail improvements will help increase the number and types of users on the trail and these added visitors will in turn support local business and the tourism industry."

Chris Moslin, chair, Grand Forks Community Trail Society -

"The society's main goals are to enhance recreational opportunities for citizens of all abilities and provide vital trail corridors between Grand Forks and the surrounding community. This project is an example of how common vision is helping us accomplish those goals."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2004, B.C. has invested more than $26 million to maintain and rehabilitate B.C.'s recreation sites and trails system, including over $6 million for B.C.'s Rail Trail Network.

• In 2010 and 2011, the Province invested $2.1 million for the Spirit of 2010 Trail network, which includes the Columbia and Western Rail Trail.

• The Columbia and Western Rail Corridor was purchased from CP Rail by the Trans Canada Trail Foundation in 1998 and donated to the Province for use as a rail trail in 2003.

Learn More:

Grand Forks Community Trail Society: http://www.gftrails.ca/Home.html

Columbia and Western Trail Society: http://www.columbiaandwestern.ca/

Trans Canada Trail: http://tctrail.ca/

Recreation Sites and Trails BC: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/

Join the backcountry community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCRecSitesandTrails

Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261