A popular biking trail network at Morning Mountain Regional Park in Blewett is connecting users to The Great Trail–the Trans Canada Trail (TCT)–thanks to a multi-agency partnership.
Representatives from the Regional District of Central Kootenay, TCT, Columbia Basin Trust, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, the Nelson Cycling Club and Teck Metals Ltd. attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the park on November 8th to celebrate the endeavor.
Formerly a ski hill, Morning Mountain’s use shifted when the lodge was destroyed by a fire in 1999. Thanks to the vision of the Nelson Cycling Club, the area has evolved into a world-class mountain biking destination and hosts the Fat Tire Festival every year. From May to November of this year, nearly 14,000 users enjoyed the site.
The Club started construction of the trail network four years ago with the $30,000 in insurance money the RDCK received when the lodge burned down, as well as seed money from Recreation Sites and Trails BC. Rec Sites and Trails staff also provided necessary approvals, support and signage.
A key supporter in the development of the trails is Columbia Basin Trust, which has provided more than $74,000 to the Morning Mountain project.
“The Great Trail is such a big, worthwhile and long term project, yet its roots are in the work of local biking clubs and volunteers,” said Kelvin Saldern, Manager of Community Relationships with the Trust. “Congratulations to all those who supported the Trail development and worked hard on building the Trail. We’re happy to see it adding to the outdoor amenities that keep people in the West Kootenay active and outdoors.”
Teck Metals Ltd. donated $1 million to connect the Trail through the Kootenays. TCT contributed $62,700 to the Morning Mountain Project.
Morning Mountain Regional Park is located at 2548 Blewett Ski Hill Road, four kilometres west of Nelson.
Read the full release at rdck.bc.ca
