Agreement to Construct Loftus Lake Fen Trail
By Jo Anne Malpass
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District Board entered into an agreement with The Shuswap Trail Alliance at its January meeting to provide construction services for the Loftus Lake Fen Trail, for a total cost not to exceed $78,557.10.
Staff report to the Board said that in the Electoral Area C Parks Master Plan (2017), it was identified that more flat, accessible walkways were a key desire of residents, as well as more linkages between parks and green spaces.
“In this plan we intend on constructing a Universal Trail (ages 5-95, all mobility types) within CSRD owned land along the NE shore of Loftus Lake. This trail would potentially tie into the existing larger Balmoral trail system. Universal grades are lower than typical trails with an average grade of approx. 5% +/- (instead of the usual 10%) with a smooth, hardwearing surface.”
In May of 2022, the CSRD was successful in its application for grant funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program in the amount of $139,500. The CSRD also been approved for $214,000 of Community Works Funds and $40,000 from reserve funding, for a total allocation of $393,500 to construct a universal trail, parking area and dog park along the NE shore of Loftus Lake. This agreement is solely for the 1.34 kilometer accessible trail system at 2505 Fox Glen Way, Blind Bay. The agreement end date is September 30, 2024.
“As the Shuswap Trail Alliance (STA) provides Community Services with contracted trail maintenance and construction services throughout many electoral areas of the Regional District, they are well informed and well positioned to aid the CSRD in the construction of this universal trail.”
Community Resiliency Investment Program Grant 2024 - The Board will submit an application for a FireSmart Community Funding and Supports Program grant for the continued development and implementation of localized FireSmart priorities, educational activities and tools up to a maximum amount of $650,000 for the first year and $550,000 for the next year for a total of $1.2 million; and provide in-house contributions to support overall grant and project management.
