Archive for the ‘recreational trails’ Category

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.

Great news – the Athalmere Trail has been cleared! Improvements on the
trail leading from Athalmere up to the Cemetary Road junction involved removing
overgrown weeds and gravel that had accumulated over the past winter/
spring. A special thanks to the District of Invermere, who led the
multi-party effort to rejuvenate this popular pathway!

Now that the snow has melted off many valley trails, remember to check out the newly opened Old Coach Trail, which runs 9 km.  between Dry Gulch and the Village of Radium Hot Springs.  Perfect for the whole family to bike or hike, it winds along the bench lands above the Columbia River, allowing for spectacular views and a number of interpretive stops of interest along the way.  The companion brochure is available at the Radium Hot Springs Information Center.

The connector trail between Athalmer and the crossroads has been cleaned of the winter gravel, and plans are to have the last bit to the crossroads constructed to gravel standard by May long weekend.

Columbia River Greenways Alliance is proud to be partnered with the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club for the Whiteway initiative on Lake Windermere.  It has been a remarkably long season with excellent grooming which started mid-December and is expected to continue as long as winter conditions prevail in the Columbia Valley.  This outstanding winter recreational venue has drawn accolades from increasing numbers of locals and visitors alike.  The Whiteway has seen a surprising variety of users on skiis, skates, snowshoes, bikes, runners, strollers, and walkers.  People have been raving at how great the track has been this year!

CRGA continues to support the Whiteway as part of our vision and encourages everyone to get out and enjoy the rich experience to be had on the Whiteway!