Outdoor enthusiasts across the Kootenays can soon take advantage of improved trail networks as four local organizations will get provincial grants for enhancement projects.
The B.C. government says $400,000 from its Off-Road Vehicle (OVR) Trail fund will be split among 20 projects across the province.
Work will include the construction of new trails, maintaining existing trails or promoting safe riding.
“Outdoor recreation connects people to nature,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks.
“It’s all about staying active, building community and respecting our natural spaces. The ORV Trail Fund helps keep our trail networks safe and provides space for people to come together to enjoy the outdoors.”
One local project will see the Kootenay Rockies ATV Club use its $25,000 grant for brushing and maintenance work along 22 kilometres of trail northeast of Cranbrook.
“The Kootenay Rockies ATV Club is excited to hear we will receive funding from the ORV Trail Fund to improve safety, promote responsible recreation and ensure long-term access to one of the region’s most beautiful trail networks,” said Bernie Ogonoski, chair, Kootenay Rockies ATV Trail Committee.
“These trail sections connect to a larger trail network in the area, thus providing some great riding over a vast scenic area just outside of Cranbrook.”
Their work will focus on four scenic trail sections that connect the St. Mary River Valley, Angus Creek and Hell Roaring Forestry Service Road.
Amber Lane, B.C. Snowmobile Federation Executive Director, says trail maintenance is usually undertaken by a team of dedicated outdoor enthusiasts.
“All of these organizations are volunteer-led non-profits. They are a passionate group of people coming together to build and maintain public trails and infrastructure,” said Lane.
“In the case of the snowmobile clubs, we often maintain emergency shelters that can be used year-round. A lot of our trails are used in the off-season as well, by hikers, bikers and ATV riders. This fund is to promote the safe and responsible use of the many trails across the province.”
The B.C. Snowmobile Federation will get $25,000 to roll out trail mapping updates, with many clubs receiving their own grant funds.
Locally, the Nelson Sno-Goers Snowmobile Club will get $10,000 for trail maintenance and signage, while the Windermere Valley Snowmobile Society will get $18,500 for new signs and avalanche safety equipment.
“All of these trails, motorized and non-motorized, really enhance life in rural communities across B.C. and they’re a huge economic driver for tourism across the province. People come from across Canada and internationally to enjoy the recreation we have here,” said Lane.
“Fortunately, individual organizations are able to partner with the Province of B.C. to maintain these public use recreation trails that are so valuable to rural life.”
Details on the province-wide and local projects can be found below:
- ATV Association of BC – Province-wide
- ATV Association of BC – 2025 ATVBC Provincial Safety Program – $25,000
- BC Offroad Motorcycle Association – Province-wide
- BCORMA ORM Trails and Rider Safety Education Program – $25,000
- BC Snowmobile Federation – Province-wide
- BC Provincial Snowmobile Trail Map Updates – $25,000
- Nelson Sno-Goers Snowmobile Club — Nelson
- Trail Maintenance and Signage Upgrades – $10,000
- Christina Lake Tourism Society — Christina Lake
- Shared Use Safety Program – $20,000
- Windermere Valley Snowmobile Society — Invermere
- Trailhead Signage & Avalanche Beacon Checkers – $18,500
- Kootenay Rockies ATV Club — Columbia Valley
- Columbia Valley Trail Recovery – $25,000
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