The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary wants your thoughts on building a trail from Rossland to Fruitvale to be used by pedestrians and cyclists for commuting and recreation.
An open house will be held today at the Trail Memorial Centre from 4 to 7 p.m. and another tomorrow in Fruitvale at the IncrEDIBLE Farmers Market from 3 to 6 p.m., in addition to an online survey at https://jointheconversation.rdkb.com/greenlink-active-transportation-plan. They’re seeking feedback on route options as well what might stand in the way of active transportation.
The RDKB says the “South Kootenay green link” would be an accessible network connecting Rossland, Warfield, Trail, Montrose, Fruitvale, and Electoral Areas A and B and would “enhance recreational opportunities, support local businesses, promote tourism, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to healthier lifestyles.”
They say it could connect downtowns, the regional hospital, Teck’s Trail operations, Red Mountain, schools, and other amenities.
However, the RDKB adds while the area has lots of outdoor opportunities, there are a lack of safe ways to get between communities without relying on cars. The planning process is intended to find solutions.
That’s where you come in. The RDKB is asking you how those barriers can be overcome and what sort of amenities you’d like to see along the trail.
Consultant Nathan Carswell said the route could take advantage of existing infrastructure but provide missing links. Rossland and Trail already have active transportation plans, he noted, so they can build on work already completed.
“The overall vision is one continuous link, but it may leverage a lot of small links, understanding not all of corridor can be built in one day,” he said.
“We want to determine in the short term what’s already being used and what is the lowest hanging fruit for the next sections that could support what’s in place.”
The RDKB has received and matched a $50,000 grant from BC’s Active Transportation Network Planning program for the project.
