Media Release~

August 23, 2016

Thanks to a generous grant from the Columbia Basin Trust (the Trust), recreational opportunities in the lower Slocan Valley will be improved and expanded for park and trail users.

The CBT has awarded a $250,000 Recreation Infrastructure Grant to the Slocan Community Recreational Greenway Project, a unique partnership comprised of the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Rec Sites and Trails BC, and the Slocan Valley Heritage Trail Society (SVHTS).

The funding aims to improve and develop trails to join communities, schools, recreation assets, neighbourhoods, local business centres, larger trail networks and wild areas for the enjoyment of the Slocan Valley. The project will include the paving of the bottom 4 km of the Slocan Valley Rail Trail (SVRT) from South Slocan to Crescent Valley, which will enable the RDCK to further develop Crescent Valley Beach Park. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s construction of a pedestrian underpass at South Slocan will provide a gateway to the Trans Canada Trail.

“This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when local government and citizens work together for the betterment of their communities,” said Walter Popoff, RDCK Area H Director. “Thanks to this funding from the Trust, residents and visitors from around the region will have easier access to our incredible parks and trails system.”

“This project is a great example of groups and organizations working in partnership to create something beneficial for the community as a whole. The project is a good fit for our Recreation Infrastructure Grants, and we’re very happy to see it coming together,” said Kindy Gosal, Columbia Basin Trust Director, Special Initiatives.