The Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance (CVGTA):

A New Organization of Outdoor Recreational Groups

The Columbia River Greenways Alliance is gearing up this spring with an Open House and Information Session, scheduled to follow their Annual General Meeting on May 21, 2013. The AGM will commence at 6:00 PM, and will cover various topics including 2012 Achievements, and strategic direction for 2013/14. A key item on the agenda is an exciting initiative for the CRGA to become the coordinating body for various trail related non-profit societies within the Columbia Valley. This proposal came as a natural evolution, when several non-profit groups and other recreational clubs realized certain common objectives and the duplication of efforts concerning the building and maintaining of recreational trails in the Columbia Valley. It became clear that such an alliance, to bring together a group of like-minded individuals to work collaboratively, share resources, expertise, knowledge and enthusiasm – was a natural fit.

The newly formed “Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance (CVGTA)” will serve as a collaborative tool to advocate the development, maintenance and responsible use of sustainable trails in the Columbia Valley. Participating groups, representing upwards of 560 members, will include: the Columbia Valley Cycling Society, Summit Trail Makers, Purcell Mountain Bike School, Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, Crazy Soles Running Club and Nipika Mountain Resort. 

The CRGA, formed in 2000, has spent years building a credible reputation within the Columbia Valley, and is proud to be the driving force behind many successful trail projects over the years. The current CRGA Board of Directors will continue developing trail projects within the Alliance to accomplish focused goals (primarily the pursuit of a spine trail linking Donald to Canal Flats, BC). In the same respect, participating groups will continue to manage their own goals & objectives, and other operational activities. The CVGTA will serve as the ‘umbrella’ organization to all groups within it when it comes to four key issues: Planning & Communication, Funding, Land Use Agreements and Insurance. In these identified areas, all groups will work together collaboratively to build and maintain trails in the Columbia Valley.

RSVP to info@greenways.ca OR via our Facebook Page!

This weekend, how about taking a trip down the  Old Coach Trail?

The Old Coach Trail is a successful Greenways project, making up a trail segment which will eventually form part of the Upper Columbia Spine Trail Network. The next two phases of this project will involve extending the trail another 10 kms, to connect Invermere to Radium.

The Old Coach Trail is a 9 km walking or bicycling route that runs between Radium Hot Springs and Dry Gulch. This historic route used to be traveled by Model Ts in the 1920s.

The Old Coach Trail was restored in Spring of 2007, thanks to the efforts of local residents, contractors and agencies. This work included removing old cars and metal debris from dump sites along the route, trail bed rehabilitation and improving public access

For thousands of years, this valley has provided living space and a movement corridor for many species of animals – including humans. Perfect for the whole family to bike or hike, it winds along the bench lands above the Columbia River, allowing for outstanding views of the Columbia Wetlands National Wildlife Area, which is part of one of the longest contiguous wetland systems in North America. Natural hoodoos are visible from the trail, and it passes through grasslands which are habitat to ungulates such as Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.

The Old Coach Trail companion brochure is available online or can be picked up at the Radium Hot Springs Information Center.

For more information on completed CRGA projects, and for updates on the progress we are making on completing the Upper Columbia Trail Network, visit our Trails page.

In November 2012, the Columbia River Greenways Alliance (CRGA/ Greenways) was thrilled to formally announce the completion of the last section of the trail now connecting Castle Rock, through Invermere and up to the Tim Hortons at the crossroads.  Now walkers, hikers, runners and cyclists are getting closer to realizing the goal of connecting Radium and Invermere via a safe paved pathway for non-motorized users.

Map of Copper Point Trail (February 2013) – Proposed

Notes:

Section A (Red): This 1 km section begins at the top of Athalmer Road hill and extends directly to the X Roads (junction of Athalmer Rd & Hwy 93/95). This section was completed in Fall 2012 and provides a direct travel route for residents and visitors to the very busy commercial section located on Invermere’s outskirts.

Section B (Orange): This 1.5 km loop extends south of Athalmer Rd. along Lakeview Dr. Just south of the Invermere cemetary parking lot, the trail continues eastward towards the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce office. At this point, the trail then moves northward along Hwy 93/95 ending at the X roads and the junction with Section A described above. Stakeholder consultation is underway for this section. If fundraising is successful, we hope to complete this work in 2013.

Section C (Purple): The second loop is 3.5km and continues south of the cemetary parking lot turn off (for Section B) along Lakeview Drive. The route then moves eastward along Timberview Drive and then north through the Copper Point Golf Course ending at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce office. Section C: Stakeholder consultation is underway. We anticipate this section to be completed in 2013.

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CRGA’s Vision Moving Forward

The CRGA’s objective is to initiate the construction of a paved spine trail that will connect Radium and Invermere, and extend down to Fairmont Hot Springs along Westside Road.  From the paved spine, many other types of trails can be developed which will cater to additional user groups and activities.

The CRGA Board plans to connect the latest trail extension now at the crossroads to its existing Old Coach trail, which extends all the way into Radium.  The CRGA is currently working with several land owners to ensure the trail will link to the existing Old Coach trail which begins in Dry Gulch and ends in Radium. The CRGA board is hopeful that this work will be completed in 2013.

‘Connecting Communities’ through non-motorized trails

Trails in neighbouring communities have seen great success in the construction of similar trail networks:

• The North Star Rail Trail was constructed by converting an abandoned CP railway track to a 40 KM stretch of greenway. This joint project between the City of Cranbrook and the City of Kimberly created a commuter and non-motorized vehicle recreational trail between the two communities.

• The Legacy Trail is a 25 km stretch of paved trail connects the City of Canmore and the City of Banff. This trail follows the Trans-Canada Hwy from the Town of Banff, connecting both communities. When travelling this highway, one can see just how busy/ well used this trail can be during both the summer and winter months!

These non-motorized community trails have a diversity of traffic. Walkers, runners, wheelchairs, cyclists, and various other user groups, can all travel safely between communities, without being on the highway. In addition, visitors and community members alike enjoy the surrounding landscape through interpretive displays and viewpoints.

 The CRGA’s Supporters

The CRGA would like to thank the many partners who have contributed their resources to complete the current phase which was approximately $38,000 + tax.  The RDEK managed the project and contributed $15,000, the Ministry of Transport contributed $6,000 and worked with Shuswap Band to make the land available and the CRGA contributed the remaining $17,000. The Columbia Basin Trust has recently provided a $25,000 grant for another phase – the Copper Point trail. Many thanks to the District of Invermere (who have been maintaining the trail on an interim basis), for their in-kind contribution to this project.

The CRGA would also like to thank the various landowners, partners, and community members who have provided continued support to the various CRGA projects presently underway. These individuals and groups have made generous donations in the form of their time, negotiation efforts, and financial & material resources.

Membership

Make a Donation to the CRGA

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

 Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Location: Lions Hall – Invermere, BC

1. Call to Order- 7:07 PM

2. Review of Agenda – Approved

3. Review and Discussion of ‘CRGA Achievements for 2011’ & CRGA Goals/ Objectives for Future – CRGA PPT Slide Presentation (click to view) (Sue)

 2011/12 Partners & Supporters

• BC Ministry of Environment
• BC Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure
• Columbia Basin Trust
• Mark Kingsbury Foundation
• Regional District of East Kootenay
• District Of Invermere
• Columbia Kootenay CulturalAlliance
• Toby Creek Nordic Club
• Village of Radium Hot Springs
• The Lake WindermereLions Club
• BC Real Estate Foundation
• Columbia Valley Cycling Society

Accomplishments

Athalmer to Cross Roads Connector: Completed. The DOI continues to maintain popular pathway.

Old Coach Trail (Opened October 2010)

• Continued partnership with the Villageof Radium Hot Springs, the Regional District of East Kootenay.
• Ongoing upgrades and trail improvements, including:
  • Dry Gulch Parking Lot – walk-thru re-designed for equestrians and bikers using child trailers.

• Signage added at Dry Gulch Parking Lot to notify public that trail is an RDEK responsibility and provided contact info for maintenance issues
• Various trail improvements in 2011: entire 9 km trail surface graded; installation of a 20ft. culvert on a section of trail that was regularly washed out; 8-10 water bars created to improve drainage; bladed section of trail adjacent to Dry Gulch Parking Lot to better define trail; weed-whacked section of trail between Radium and north gate (along highway); highway signage indicating the south trailhead was installed.
• Planned Work for 2012/13: Telespar signage to be installed on North end of trail; aggregate added to previously bladed section of trail to improve tread surface and limit vegetative growth; vegetation control will continue along the trail adjacent to Radium

Moving Forward: 2012/13

The CRGA is seeking monetary support in an amount of $400,000, for the completion of the initial ‘spine-trail’ route. In the coming months, the CRGA will be completing and submitting applications for more substantial financial support to various additional funding entities.

Grants & Secured Funding

• In late 2011, the CRGA contracted Leigh-Anne Isaac to complete 3 tasks: 1) Develop a business plan, 2) Prepare Gas Tax Fund Application, and 3) Prepare the CBT Trails Criteria Application. The CRGA has benefited greatly from Leigh-Anne’s contribution to the CRGA’s grant application/ funding activities, has developed an excellent working knowledge of the CRGA’s planning initiatives and continues to build strong relationships with the CBT.
• Two applications were successfully submitted/ accepted for the Community Initiative Program, to the sum of $10,000.
  • As per above, in the coming months the CRGA will be completing and submitting applications for more substantial financial support to various additional funding entities.

Planning for the Future: the CRGA’s goals/objectives for the next 3-10 years:

• The Copper Point Trail – a 4 km loop around golf course, to include various fitness stations and interpretive signage. Interpretive concept based on historical significance of copper in the area.
• Radium Hot Springsto Invermere linked, incorporating the Old Coach trail
• Hoodoos –Westside Roadtrail agreements in place and construction started (spine concept, with loops)
• Plan for Invermere to Brisco with concept and involvement at Golden
• Cross Roads toFairmontlinked

Community Awareness

• The CRGA website has been revised, and a Facebook page has been created.
• Hosted 4 Open-House Forums at various locations around theColumbia Riverarea, for awareness and discussion on trail needs and community input/support
• The CRGA recognized need for community outreach and building strong community support. The CRGA still required non-monetary support (ie. hiring of heavy machinery, construction, volunteers etc.).
• Continued support and involvement for the Lake Windermere Whiteway, East Kootenay Conservation Partnership, Wings Over the Rockies, others

4. Review of 2011 AGM Minutes – Sue motioned approval of minutes. Approved.

5. Review of Financial Reports (Attached) – Ross presented the financial report. He motioned for approval of the financial report. Approved.

6. Elections – Ross announced a 1 year absence from the CRGA board. Sue thanked Ross for his contribution to the board. All other board members have agreed to stand for re-election and were appointed by acclimation.

Board members for 2012: Gerry Wilkie, Sue Crowley, Klara Trescher, Doug McIntosh, Taoya Schaeffer, Ken Wilder, Doug Clovechock, Max Fanderl, Mark Halwa, Krysta Helmer

 7.   Round Table/ Discussion

• New Board Members: No names brought forward for appointment by board.
• Discussion around the ‘role’ of the CRGA: board reiterated that the CRGA does not ‘own’ trails – rather, it facilitates their negotiation/ funding/ planning/ environmental assessment/ rehabilitations. Once completed, trail maintenance and liability sits with the regional district and becomes part of the municipal/ regional park system.
• CBT Self-directed Funds – new community-based model to disseminate funds. Decisions on how monies are awarded are made locally/ are locally driven. Public awareness/ interest is invaluable in any application made by the CRGA.
• Support of Regional Councils and Potential for Corporate Connections - The board discussed potential of making presentations to the Radium, Invermere & Canal Flats Regional Councils in order to strengthen support with local governments. Discussion around potential community sponsors ie. Kicking Horse Coffee.
• Ongoing Discussions regarding Becker Property – Mark continues in discussions with MOT and Fred Becker to coordinate effort to move easement that runs directly through land. Safety is a significant issue that may expedite negotiations – both parties have interest in moving path away from highway.

8.   2012 AGM Adjourned – 8:04 PM. The board thanked guests for attending the CRGA 2012 AGM.

9.   Refreshments followed

The Columbia River Greenways Alliance is gaining momentum and support for a network of trails in the Columbia Valley. A ‘spine-trail’ concept will initially connect Invermere and Radium, and eventually extend north to Golden and south to Canal Flats for non-motorized use such as: walking, running, biking, hiking, and rollerblading. Trails will allow for safe commuting off of the paved highway with various connections to other hiking/ walking/ biking loops, and will include various points of interest along the routes.

What is a ‘Spine-trail’ ?

This ‘spine-trail’ concept will include paths/or links which act as corridors that enable people and animals to travel within the greenway. Corridors may be animal migration routes, historic human travel paths, rivers and creeks, old roads, and man-made trails with boardwalks. ‘Nodes’/ or ‘hubs’ along the route will represent areas of ecological or cultural significance, such as: fitness stations, viewpoints/towers, interpretive signs/stations, and historic lens signs. Current development of the spine-trail will require the construction and paving of the Athalmer trail to the Crossroads trail, with linkages to: the proposed five kilometer Copper Point trail loop, the remaining nine kilometer northern segment of the Invermere crossroads to Radium trail, and a 27 kilometer trail from Invermere to Fairmont via Westside Road.

Next Steps: Funding & Non-Monetary Support

The CRGA is seeking monetary support in an amount of $400,000, for the completion of the initial ‘spine-trail’ route. The CRGA is pleased to have recently secured funding from two applications submitted for the Community Initiative Program, to the sum of $10,000. In the coming months, the CRGA will be completing and submitting an application for more substantial financial support to various additional funding entities. At this time, the CRGA is actively seeking non-monetary support from the community, in the form of volunteers and planning & construction services. The CRGA relies on collaboration with stakeholders who have a vested interest in the trail network. These supporters include landowners, First Nations, developers, conservation groups, and Federal, Provincial, Regional and Municipal Governments.

The ‘Copper Point’ Trail

The CRGA is currently in the process of negotiating a finalized trail route for a 4 km non-motorized recreational trail that loops around the Copper Point Golf Course. There are plans for this loop to include various fitness stations,  interpretive signage,  and view points along the pathway. The interpretive concept for this trail will be based on historical significance of copper in the area.

Proposed Route for ‘Copper Point’ Trail

(click image to enlarge)

How can you help the CRGA?

• Become a Member
• Make a Donation

Contact Information

• General Inquiries: info@greenways.ca
• Phone: (250) 342-0539

The 2012 Columbia River Greenways Alliance Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 13, 2012 @ 7 PM at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Hall (Crossroads). We welcome all members, partners, guests and friends to join us for an update on our achievements in 2011, and direction for 2012-13. We look forward to seeing you there!  

As always, we encourage new Greenways members to join and participate in regulary scheduled meetings, as individuals or representatives of community and area groups – CRGA meetings are held every second Thursday of each month.

For more information on ongoing and successfully completed projects visit: http://www.greenways.ca/projects/

For more information on how you can make a donation to the Columbia River Greenways Alliance, please visit http://www.greenways.ca/our-partners/make-a-donation/

 The Columbia River Greenways Alliance (CRGA) is gaining momentum and support for a network of trails in the Columbia Valley. A ‘spine-trail’ concept will initially connect Invermere and Radium, and eventually extend north to Golden and south to Canal Flats for non-motorized use such as: walking, running, biking, hiking, and rollerblading. Trails will allow for safe commuting off of the paved highway with various connections to other hiking/ walking/ biking loops, and will include various points of interest along the routes.

‘Spine-trail’ Concept

This ‘spine-trail’ concept will include paths/or links which act as corridors that enable people and animals to travel within the greenway. Corridors may be animal migration routes, historic human travel paths, rivers and creeks, old roads, and man-made trails with boardwalks. ‘Nodes’/ or ‘hubs’ along the route will represent areas of ecological or cultural significance, such as: fitness stations, viewpoints/towers, interpretive signs/stations, and historic lens signs. Current development of the spine-trail will require the construction and paving of the Athalmer trail to the Crossroads trail, with linkages to: the proposed five kilometer Copper Point trail loop, the remaining nine kilometer northern segment of the Invermere crossroads to Radium trail, and a 27 kilometer trail from Invermere to Fairmont via Westside Road.

Sources of Funding

The CRGA is seeking monetary support in an amount of $400,000, for the completion of the initial ‘spine-trail’ route. The CRGA is pleased to have recently secured funding from two applications submitted for the Community Initiative Program, to the sum of $10,000. In the coming months, the CRGA will be completing and submitting an application for more substantial financial support to various additional funding entities.

Call for Community Support

The CRGA relies on collaboration with stakeholders who have a vested interest in the trail network. These supporters include landowners, First Nations, developers, conservation groups, and Federal, Provincial, Regional and Municipal Governments. At this time, the CRGA is actively seeking non-monetary support from the community, in the form of volunteers and planning & construction services.

This months Columbia River Greenways Alliance (CRGA/ Greenways) information sharing and open meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, April 12th @ 7:00 PM at the Hoodoo Grill in Fairmont Hot Springs (http://www.hoodooville.ca/Hoodoo_Grill/)

New Greenways members are invited to join and participate in meetings, as individuals or representatives of community and area groups. We look forward to seeing you there!