Members of the Disctrict of Clearwater Council and the DOC’s Trails Task Force Committee gathered on Sept. 25 to celebrate the official grand opening of the Wyndhaven multi-use pathway.
The new trail is one of a list of high-priority projects addressed in the DOC’s Master Plan, which was adopted in March, 2016.
“The Wyndhaven multi-use pathway provides a safe connection for our youth walking to school, our residents to the shopping centre, medical building and library, as well as onnecting with the Park Drive trail and our visitors using the amenities adjacent to the route,” said Heather MacLennan, chair of the DOC Trails Task Force Committee.
“Bring your family to walk the new pathway, check out the Eden (Road) to Roundabout trail while you are out walking this area.”
The project was funded by the Wells Gray Community Forest, providing $65,000, the BC Rural Dividend Fund for $105,000 and the District of Clearwater gave $66,848, through the Community Works Gas Tax Funds.
Also included in the project was the construction of the Dutch Lake Beach Accessibility Trail.
“I’ve never seen over all the years…such a dedicated group of community citizens that get stuff done,” said Mayor Merlin Blackwell. “The skill that they bring to the table, the tenacity, the dedication to actually making sure these things happen, has helped us actually build this community into even more of a great place to live.”
He described a scene he witnessed when the trail was nearing completion, of the road roller still actively spreading ashphalt, with two youth on bikes taking advantage of the new pavement.
“I wish I got a picture, because it just told you how valuable this is to this community.”
Members of the DOC Trails Task Force Committee include: Heather MacLennan, Ron Van der Zwan, Sabine Cooperman, Scott Lindeburgh, Councillor Lucy Taylor, CAO Leslie Groulx and Darren Coates.