Trails BC is pleased to announce that funding has been secured for Phase 3 and the completion of the Cranbrook to Wardner (CW) Trans Canada Trail project.

At a ceremony on Wednesday, June 8 at one of the current work sites off Ha Ha Road, an announcement was made by multiple funding partners.

The Trans Canada Trail (TCT) – represented by Sarah Meunier, TCT Trail Coordinator, British Columbia – confirmed that TCT will provide $263, 000 in funding to the project.

“We are thrilled to contribute to the realization of this beautiful section of Canada’s Great Trail,” said Deborah Apps, TCT President & CEO. “Our volunteers and partners working on the Cranbrook to Wardner Trans Canada Trail are creating a world-class destination Trail, and we are proud to count it as part of our national network.”

Columbia Basin Trust is also contributing $220,000 to the Trail through its new Recreation Infrastructure Grants program.

“Our recreation infrastructure grants fund projects that support residents to lead healthy lifestyles,” said Neil Muth, Columbia Basin Trust President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud to support this community trail as we know it will be well-travelled by locals and visitors alike.”

The Regional District of East Kootenay, represented by Board Chair and Electoral Area C Director Rob Gay was on hand to announce $50,000 from the RDEK’s Community Works Fund.

RSTBC of the BC Ministry of Forestry, Lands, Natural Operations was represented by Rockies District Recreation Officer Lisa Cox who confirmed a $50,000 contribution from the province.

“These significant funding developments will allow us to finish the great work that has already been done over the last two years. We are already looking forward to a celebration event upon project completion next year,” said Trails BC director and trail project team lead Al Skucas.

Phase 3 will see resurfacing of rail trail for three kilometres from Ha Ha Road to Steamboat Hill as well as improvements to city of Cranbrook-owned rail corridor of up to 4.5 km. A 17 km section of new trail on the Mayook section started last year will be completed. A short section of 1.4-km of new trail within Highway 3 ROW will also be built near Wardner.

The overall budget of the project over the three phases will be $1.35 million when done.

As a rustic and scenic complement to the already popular NorthStar Rails-to-Trails, the 40+ km trail will enhance outdoor recreational opportunities for the regional communities as well as serve to make the area a popular destination for trail users.

The trail will be complete in time for Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation on July 1 of 2017 which also coincides with the Trans Canada Trail’s vision of having the national trail connected by then.

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Lead image left to right: Sarah Meunier, Al Skucas, Rick Allen, representing Columbia Basin Trust, Neil Shuttleworth, Project Manager, Rob Gay and Lisa Cox. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW photos

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