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Cranbrook to Wardner Trail Ceremony held
On International Trails Day (June 6), an estimated 40 people celebrated the opening event for Phase 1 of the Cranbrook to Wardner Trail at the Ramparts Highway 3 Rest Area, 10 km east of Cranbrook.
The 6.5 km. loop at the rest area makes an easy walk and bike ride. By 2017, TrailsBC and the TransCanada Trail will have completed an exciting 40 km of new trail between Cranbrook and Wardner utilizing two sections of an abandoned rail corridor with a connector at Mt. Baker.
Guest speakers and ribbon cutters representing supporting organizations included:
– Representing the RDEK- Mike Sosnowski- RDEK director for Electoral Area A;
– Representing the City of Cranbrook- Norma Blissett- City Councillor.
– Representing TCT- Sarah Meunier- TCT Kootenay Coordinator.
– Representing Trails BC- Al Skucas – Projector Coordinator and TBC Director Rockies/Kootenays.
Nic Milligan, Manager of Government and Community Affairs, Representing Teck Corporation sent his best wishes.
Dave Savage was Master of Ceremonies. He offered thanks to all of the attendees, the many volunteers and to, especially, Al Skucas and Neil Shuttleworth making this trail a reality. Dave, also, offered his thanks to the ?aq’am St. Mary’s Indian Band and the Ktunaxa Nation.
The East Kootenay Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of BC hosted a barbecue at the event.
This trail covers a 42.4 segment from Cranbrook to Wardner in the Rocky Mountain trench. It combines historic and cultural features, including rock ovens, the historic BC Southern railway route, grazing lands, forest management areas, scenic viewpoints, and a lakefront park in Wardner.
Amenities exist in Cranbrook and at Rampart Highway Rest Area off the connector, and at the Wardner end in Wardner Park and Wardner Community Park. Investing in the link to the Rampart Rest Area was considered a strategic investment, with that small incremental development cost that would incorporate an amenity already being maintained thus reducing ongoing costs.
Come ride, bike and xc country ski this great new sustainable tourism and healthy living addition in our area.
Submitted/Photo by Bob Whetham
