By Steve Hubrecht
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The Old Coach Trail will be getting some new upgrades thanks to provincial funding.
The Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance is receiving a total of $154,000 from the provincial Targeted Regional Tourism initiative (part of the government’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan) through Kootenay Rockies Tourism, and the alliance will use the money for what it is calling the ‘Old Coach phase’ of the planned Radium to Invermere North Legacy project.
More specifically, the funding will be used to improve accessible amenities at the trailhead and all along the nine-kilometre gravel Old Coach trail between Dry Gulch and Radium, with an emphasis on parking, picnic areas, washrooms and interpretive signage.
“Radium councils has been a strong advocate for the completion of the Old Coach Trail since inception of the idea. We are thrilled that this is getting closer to reality. We see bicycles and ebikes increasing in popularity, and this trail will increase accessibility for all levels when completed,” Radium mayor Clara Reinhardt told the Pioneer.
Greenway project manager Lianne Lang outlined to the Pioneer that the alliance is thrilled to receive the funding.
“As planning is underway with our partners for a Radium to Invermere trail, this funding will help the community and visitors to access the existing Old Coach Trail and improve their experience with the addition of picnic areas, interpretive signage, and improved parking,” read a press release sent by Lang to the Pioneer, adding that the funding will create jobs and contribute to economic development as the alliance continues to improve and develop the trail network here in the valley.
“Expect to see progress with these amenities by this fall. This infrastructure will be further enhanced as plans continue for enhancing and completing the Radium to Invermere project, expected over the next several years as funding allows,” read the press release.
Lang notes that partnerships are crucial to trail network projects and said that the alliance is pleased to be working with Kootenay Rockies Tourism and is grateful to the provincial government for the funding.
