By Barb Brouwer
Contributor
The Shuswap Trail Alliance garnered support at the Nov. 16 Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) board meeting in Salmon Arm.
In her report to the board, community parks and recreation coordinator Kristina Flackman advised directors that the current operational funding contribution agreement between the CSRD and the Shuswap Trail Alliance (STA) expires on Dec. 31.
“The STA has excelled in creating partnerships with volunteer groups and organizations and has collaborated extensively with First Nations, building strong relationships to foster trail development,” wrote Flackman in her report, noting the not-for-profit group has also built a strong contingent of volunteers and stewards whose efforts and in-kind contributions towards trail maintenance and development are invaluable. “The STA leverages financial contributions and fundraising to further increase the value added to trails projects throughout the Shuswap.”
Flackman noted the STA is devoted to building and maintaining active transportation networks in communities throughout the Shuswap.
“In 2012, the board endorsed a three-year pilot project to provide base funds to ensure greater year-to-year stability for the STA, which proved to be beneficial for everyone involved,” Flackman wrote. “Funding the operational agreement has been distributed from within the Parks budgets of Areas C, D, E, F and G, as a percentage of assessment.”
Area C Director Marty Gibbons moved that the board approve a funding contribution of $50,000 annually toward the operational costs of the STA over a four-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2024, up to and including Dec. 31, 2027, plus an annual BC Consumer Price Index.
Gibbons asked why his electoral area, which has a relatively low population, pays more that some others. Acting general manager community and protective services Derek Sutherland responded that he is new to the portfolio but would report back to the board at the December meeting.
Read more: Salmon Arm to continue collaboration with Shuswap Trail Alliance
Read more: Shuswap Trail Alliance wraps up another busy season of building and maintenance
The board was unanimous in its support for the four-year funding agreement.
“We are incredibly grateful for the operational funds that the CSRD, and other municipal partners, provide to the Shuswap Trail Alliance on an annual basis,” said STA executive director Jen Bellhouse, who noted the funding agreement helps ensure that base operational fixed costs are covered. “This allows us to apply for grants to build and maintain trails in the Shuswap using leveraged funds from donations and our annual fundraiser.”
Board chair and Salmon Arm director Kevin Flynn pointed out that the City of Salmon Arm had recently approved its commitment to the Trail Alliance.
The STA has been instrumental in construction and maintenance of various trail projects over the past four years including: The North Okanagan Rail Trail, Glenemma trail network, Loftus Lake, Reinecker Creek re-route and associated grant application, North Fork Wild, the re-opening of the Mount Baldy and Scotch Creek Hlina trails post-fire, the Sorrento Blind Bay Accessible Trail, and the Sorrento Blind Bay winter maintenance contract.
Sign up for our newsletter to get Salmon Arm stories in your inbox every morning.