The Cariboo Redgional District is submitting applications to the Northern Development Initiative Trust for $30,000 and to the BC Rural Dividend grant program for $100,000 to expand the region’s accessible trails network.
With funding accessed in 2016, the CRD completed an assessment and inventory study to locate and assess potential low mobility trail sites.
If the two 2017 funding applications are successful, the CRD will develop three new trails at the Big Lake Community Hall property, Moffat Falls Recreation Site and Bull Canyon Recreation Site.
By embracing the development of a low mobility trails network in the Cariboo Chilcotin, the CRD aims to increase outdoor wilderness recreation opportunities for people of all mobility levels and to create a niche market to help diversify the local economy.
The network currently features 19 accessible trails throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin.
Bull Mountain trail upgrades to be funded
The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Board has allocated $2,000 in funding to the Williams Lake Off Road Motorcycle Association for road improvements at the Bull Mountain Trail Network.
During its regular meeting Friday, May 12 the board determined the funding will come from the Electoral Area D Economic Development Service Function, which supports community economic development activities within Area D.
Outdoor recreational facilities such as the Bull Mountain Trail Network provide quality of life benefits for area residents, while also supporting the regional tourism economy.
Funding sought for regional district projects
The board approved submitting three funding applications to the Union of BC Municipalities Strategic Priorities Fund.
The first application requests $325,000 for upgrades to the Lexington Water System including a new groundwater source, pump house and treatment facility.
The CRD is submitting a second application for $100,000 to advance the CRD’s asset management strategy and planning. Thirdly, the CRD is submitting an application for $5 million towards the South Cariboo Recreation Centre expansion project.
Canada 150 events supported
The electoral area directors approved funding for several upcoming Canada 150 events within the CRD
The Friends of the Quesnel & District Museum & Archives Society received $500 in funding for the Cariboo Pioneer Festival in Lebourdais Park on Aug. 11 and 12. The City of Quesnel received $1,500 towards their 2017 Canada Day celebrations.
The 100 Mile House & District Historical Society obtained $1,500 for their “Celebrating Canada’s 150th Birthday” event at the 108 Heritage Site on Canada Day.
The Area Directors also allocated $1,500 each to the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Centennial Park and District of 100 Mile House towards the Canada 150 events they are hosting on the Canada Day weekend.
Community events receive funding
Grant assistance totalling $999.99 was approved to support the Tyee Lake Community Association’s annual general meeting and community BBQ.
The board also approved $900 in grant funding for the Wildwood Community and Recreation Association towards the upcoming children’s festival in Williams Lake.
Skyfest event sponsored
The CRD Board of Directors endorsed a recommendation from the North Cariboo Rural Directors Caucus to allocate $4,000 from the North Cariboo Economic Development Function towards Skyfest 2017.
Skyfest is a three-day international airshow taking place at the Quesnel Regional Airport on the August long weekend. The event provides entertainment for the whole family and brings broad economic benefit to the North Cariboo.
Next meetings
Board on the road in 100 Mile House
Committee of the whole – June 8, 2017
CRD board meeting – June 9, 2017