The Kootenay Rockies region received $2.3 million to assist enhancing the region’s tourism amenities and experiences. Ten new destination and tourism infrastructure developments were identified through partnerships with community destination management organizations, local and regional governments, First Nations, non-profits and other partners, within the region with this support from the province.

The Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance was a Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI) recipient and utilized the funds to upgrade the north portion of the Old Coach Trail.

The TRTDI funded project is part of a larger vision to provide an accessible multi-use trail connecting the entire Columbia Valley from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen. The project was a collaboration between partners and demonstrated the community’s ability to work together towards improving connectivity of communities and on projects that provide community benefits of year-round tourist recreation attractions.

Upgrades to this section of the trail provide important user amenities at the trailhead and along the Old Coach Trail section between Dry Gulch and Radium and improves accessibility.

Visitor amenities include interpretive signage, bike fix it stations, improved trail surface and parking.

The interpretive signage included cultural and ecological points of interest along the trail in addition to trail safety and user information. The parking lot capacity was increased to accommodate more visitors during peak times. Additionally, the project expanded shoulder season availability by repairing sections to reduce spring challenges with run off. In the past, the mud in the spring and fall would make these trails unusable.

Lianne Lang of the Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance emphasizes the importance of this project to the community. “Collaborative partner projects of this nature allow for better trail accessibility for our community members and visitors. Continuing to work towards the overall shared vision of connecting our communities would not be possible without the support of these types of partnerships. As an organization, the Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance is proud to be able to continue to work on these types of projects within our region.”

“Investments in tourism infrastructure projects like the Columbia Valley multi-use trail are good for visitors, good for communities and good for the economy,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “The Tourism investments we’ve made in regions throughout the province are linking communities together and creating a more vibrant British Columbia for everyone.”

Kathy Cooper, CEO, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, summarizes the TRTDI project and benefits: “The Targeted Regional Tourism Development funding has presented an opportunity to work with the Province and regional partners to strategically position our region for a better future by addressing some important infrastructure gaps. It will also help ensure improved amenities are in place to handle growth and mitigate the impact of increased visitation.”

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