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NorthStar Trail officially designated part of TransCanada Trail system
The NorthStar Rails to Trails, between the communities of Kimberley and Cranbrook, is officially a part of the Trans Canada Trail network.
City of Kimberley Mayor Ron McRae, City of Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Stetski and Trails BC president Al Skucas signed the agreement to make the designation official at a special signing ceremony yesterday (March 27).
The designation will provide potential capital funding of up to 50% for trail infrastructure projects, national and international marketing exposure and some interpretive signage.
Both Kimberley and Cranbrook will continue jointly remain in charge of trail standards, maintenance and policies.
“I want to thank staff with the City of Kimberley and Cranbrook, the NorthStar Rails to Trails and the Trans Canada Rail Committees for their work to make this designation happen,” said Kimberley Mayor Ron McRae. “I believe this will only help draw more attention to this wonderful trail that so many area residents and visitors to both communities use and enjoy.”
“Including this trail in the national network that will one day span our country and join us together in a new way is an important step forward for both community health and for tourism,” says Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Stetski. “ I extend my appreciation and thanks to both the NorthStar Rails to Trails Committee and to the Trans Canada Trail Committee for their foresight and commitment to the vision of a walkable and bicycle friendly Canada.“
The Trans Canada Trail began in 1994 with the vision of a trail connecting the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The Trans Canada Trail foundation is working to complete the trail by 2017; the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation.
From Vancouver Island to Castlegar, the trail is nearly complete. However, much work is needed to secure a route east into Alberta.
The Trans Canada Trail is currently formally designated in the East Kootenay in Cranbrook (2000) along Rotary Way and Isadore Canyon Rail Trail and the City of Kimberley (2006) through the Kimberley Nature Park, into the Platzl and down Mark Creek, ending in Marysville.
“Dedicating the NorthStar Rails to Trails as part of the Trans Canada Trail Network will provide the opportunity for a much needed connection from the existing portions of the Trans Canada Trail in the City of Kimberley to the rest of the Kootenay Region,” says Trails BC president Al Skucas. “With the backdrop setting of the BC Rockies, this already popular trail will surely become a highlight segment of TCT.”
Above photo: Left to right – Councillor Darryl Oakley, City of Kimberley; Al Skucas, Trails BC President; Kimberley Mayor Ron McRae; Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Stetski; Councillor Bob Whetham, City of Cranbrook.
Photo courtesy of the City of Cranbrook
