Tilley Memorial Park and Columbia Lake will soon become more accessible to beachgoers in Canal Flats! Thanks to a large grant from the Trust and other funders.
Phase II of the Shore to Shore (S2S) Pathway, a non-motorized pathway along Grainger Road in Canal Flats, will be built with these grant funds – also generously contributed from the Province of BC Catalyst Fund (administered by Kootenay Rockies Tourism) as well as a budget allocation from the Village of Canal Flats.
When completed – anticipated for later in construction season 2022 – the new active transportation corridor, worth approximately $620,000, will better link Tilley Memorial Park and Canal Flats’ Beach, as well as the Eagle’s Nest and Painted Ridge Subdivisions to the rest of Canal Flats.
“Tilley Park is a key and strategic asset to the Village of Canal Flats” said Mayor Karl Sterzer. “The Shore to Shore is a significant quality of place improvement which enhances this great Village asset and will allow more folks to access it.”
Beachgoers will then have a dedicated pathway option to walk or cycle to the beach, leave their car at home, and enjoy the best of what Canal Flats has to offer without adding congestion to the busy Tilley Park Parking lot– reducing their carbon footprint in the process – contributing to personal and planetary health!
“This pathway will be a significant asset to the community, promoting healthy lifestyles for people of all ages and abilities, encouraging environmentally friendly travel, attracting visitors, and making Columbia Lake even more of a centerpiece in the region,” said Michelle d’Entremont, Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “We congratulate the Village on its achievement.”
When all phases are completed, the Shore to Shore Pathway will link the Kootenay River to the Columbia Lake with a non-motorized cycling and walking pathway and in the spirit of William Baillie-Grohman whose canal gave the Village its name. the S2S is expected to be widely used by locals and visitors alike and will connect the mentioned waterbodies with a largely flat pathway making it accessible to all.