Hearing about the recent funding granted the Slocan Valley upon only a little digging, it didn’t take long to find there was significantly more funding made available to other communities throughout the Basin specifically to support recreation opportunities.
20 Basin recreation projects receive $1 million
Under the Columbia Basin Trust‘s Basin Recreation Infrastructure Grants program, twenty recreation projects encouraging active lifestyles will be getting under way. The program initiated just this year aims to support communities throughout the region upgrade existing recreation facilities or spaces or create new.
The successful projects will receive more than $1 million in this second intake, bringing the total number of projects funded since the program launched earlier this year to 62. The program has distributed more than $4.5 million to recreation-focused projects over the two intakes. A third intake will take place in early 2017.
“Basin residents told us there was a need for a program like this, so it’s great to see such a positive response,” said Neil Muth, President and Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Basin Trust. “These 62 projects will help build stronger, more resilient and more enjoyable communities, and give residents the amenities they need to lead active, healthy lifestyles.”
World-class recreation abounds in our extraordinary neck of the woods, and the injection of funds allows communities to better leverage these assets. With Trust support, 145 kilometres of trail are being built on 24 trails, eight fields and parks are receiving upgrades, six indoor facilities like arenas, gymnasiums and climbing walls are seeing upgrades and 24 outdoor facilities are being improved.
They’ll Be Swinging
Children and youth in Silverton will be safely swinging, hopping and climbing thanks to $85,000 going toward a playground capital improvement project. The project will see an expansion of the park and the addition of six new playground elements. “Supporting young families in the community is important to Silverton council,” said Jason Clarke, Mayor of Silverton. “Now, thanks largely to Columbia Basin Trust, we are able to overhaul our playground, creating a fun, safe environment that is accessible to all.”
A Trail of Two Cities
Visitors and residents will be taking in views of the Columbia Valley and Lake Windermere as they bike, walk, inline skate and more along the Westside Legacy Trail. The Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance received $250,000 for the trail and will build the initial 2.7-kilometre section of the 25-kilometre trail that connects Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs. “The Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance is very pleased to receive our largest donation to date from Columbia Basin Trust for the Westside Legacy Trail project,” said Mark Halwa, Executive Director of Greenways. The trail will be human-powered, added Halwa, and will provide an accessible and safe off-highway trail experience for all users.
Game, Set, Match!
The Yahk Kingsgate Recreation Society was successful in receiving $43,570 to put toward the construction of a new multi-purpose court. The court will serve a variety of athletic pursuits year-round.“We feel it is important to enhance the facilities at our community hall to continue encouraging physical activities within our community,” said Judy Dickson, President of the Yahk Kingsgate Recreation Society. “When the project is completed, residents will be able to play a variety of sports in one place: basketball, tennis, volleyball, pickleball, badminton and shuffleboard in the summer, and ice skating and hockey in the winter.”
More Space to Play
The East Shore Trail and Bike Association received $6,250 to further advance the trail system near Crawford Bay. “The Fraser Hill Viewpoint Trail provides an easier option to the more difficult Woodlot Trail,” said Farley Cursons, Projects Director of the East Shore Trail and Bike Association. “Due to seasonal water drainage, the challenging Woodlot Trail is exposing gnarly roots and boulders. The result of the new Viewpoint Trail will be a safer, more sustainable route enabling a wider variety of users to enjoy the whole trail network.”
You can read all about the projects from the spring and summer intakes HERE.