New Trail Links Regional District of Central Kootenay to Canada, Thanks in Part to Gift That Keeps on Giving from Teck Resources Ltd.

A popular cycling trail network at the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK)’s Morning Mountain Regional Park in Blewett will connect users to The Great Trail, thanks in part to a $1 million gift from Teck Resources Ltd. designated toward connecting the Trail through the Kootenays.

Representatives from the Regional District of Central Kootenay, Trans Canada Trail, the Columbia Basin Trust, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, the Nelson Cycling Club and Teck Resources Ltd. attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the park on November 8 to celebrate the endeavour.

“The connectivity of this project is outstanding,” said Ramona Faust, Chair of the RDCK’s Nelson, Salmo, E, F and G Parks Commission, referring not only to the trail itself, but to the collaboration of the many sponsors and organizations.

Formerly a ski hill, Morning Mountain’s use shifted when the lodge was destroyed by 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 Trail users enjoyed the site.

“A lot of people have memories of this place when it was a ski hill; now they can make new memories,” said Joel McBurney of the Nelson Cycling Club, the site’s steward.

A key supporter in the development of the trail is the Columbia Basin Trust, which has given over $73,000 to the Morning Mountain project.

“The Trust is a huge supporter of The Great Trail because it connects residents across the Basin and brings Canadians together,” said Kelvin Saldern, a community liaison with the Trust.

Echoing Saldern’s sentiment was Thompson Hickey, general manager of Teck Resources Ltd.

“Teck is a passionate supporter of the Trail for it connects communities and people and their stories. It makes this an even greater place to live.”

Sarah Meunier, BC Trail Coordinator of TCT, said that the project’s success is largely due to the generous support of Teck Resources Ltd.