20 projects receive $1 million

Twenty recreation projects encouraging active lifestyles are getting under way thanks to help from the Columbia Basin Trust’s Recreation Infrastructure Grants program.

New this year, the program supports community efforts to create new or upgrade existing recreation spaces in the Basin.

The successful projects will receive more than $1 million in this second intake, bringing the total number of projects funded since the program launched earlier this year to 62. The program has distributed more than $4.5 million to recreation-focused projects over the two intakes. A third intake will take place in early 2017.

“Basin residents told us there was a need for a program like this, so it’s great to see such a positive response,” said Neil Muth, President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Basin Trust. “These 62 projects will help build stronger, more resilient and more enjoyable communities, and give residents the amenities they need to lead active, healthy lifestyles.”

You don’t have to look far to find world-class recreation opportunities in the Basin, and these successful applicants are making great strides to take advantage of these opportunities. With Trust support, 145 kilometres of trail are being built on 24 trails, eight fields and parks are receiving upgrades, six indoor facilities like arenas, gymnasiums and climbing walls are seeing upgrades and 24 outdoor facilities are being improved.

Read about all the projects from the spring and summer intakes at ourtrust.org/rig.

A Trail of Two Cities

Visitors and residents will be taking in views of the Columbia Valley and Lake Windermere as they bike, walk, inline skate and more along the Westside Legacy Trail. The Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance received $250,000 for the trail and will build the initial 2.7-kilometre section of the 25-kilometre trail that connects Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs.

“The Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance is very pleased to receive our largest donation to date from Columbia Basin Trust for the Westside Legacy Trail project,” said Mark Halwa, Executive Director of Greenways. The trail will be human-powered, added Halwa, and will provide an accessible and safe off-highway trail experience for all users.

Game, Set, Match!

The Yahk Kingsgate Recreation Society was successful in receiving $43,570 to put toward the construction of a new multi-purpose court. The court will serve a variety of athletic pursuits year-round.

“We feel it is important to enhance the facilities at our community hall to continue encouraging physical activities within our community,” said Judy Dickson, President of the Yahk Kingsgate Recreation Society. “When the project is completed, residents will be able to play a variety of sports in one place: basketball, tennis, volleyball, pickleball, badminton and shuffleboard in the summer, and ice skating and hockey in the winter.”

They’ll Be Swinging

Children and youth in Silverton will be safely swinging, hopping and climbing thanks to $85,000 going toward a playground capital improvement project. The project will see an expansion of the park and the addition of six new playground elements. “Supporting young families in the community is important to Silverton council,” said Jason Clarke, Mayor of Silverton. “Now, thanks largely to Columbia Basin Trust, we are able to overhaul our playground, creating a fun, safe environment that is accessible to all.”

More Space to Play


The East Shore Trail and Bike Association received $6,250 to further advance the trail system near Crawford Bay.

“The Fraser Hill Viewpoint Trail provides an easier option to the more difficult Woodlot Trail,” said Farley Cursons, Projects Director of the East Shore Trail and Bike Association. “Due to seasonal water drainage, the challenging Woodlot Trail is exposing gnarly roots and boulders. The result of the new Viewpoint Trail will be a safer, more sustainable route enabling a wider variety of users to enjoy the whole trail network.”

Columbia Basin Trust supports the ideas and efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, and how it helps deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the Basin, visit ourtrust.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

Lead image: A view from the Westside Legacy Trail overlooking Lake Windermere. Trust images

Columbia Basin Trust

Article Share