FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(100 MILE HOUSE) Work is underway on a road to a rich recreational experience in the Cariboo, thanks to a $600,000 joint-project between the New Pathways to Gold Society (NPTGS) and the District of 100 Mile House.

“The Province is happy to contribute to this well-used recreation and heritage project,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Kevin Krueger. “This project will protect the beauty of these trails and enhance tourism opportunities for one of B.C.’s most recognizable historic pathways.”

Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett on behalf of the B.C. government, along with representatives from NPTGS and the District, made the announcement at the District offices today.

“This undertaking could not go forward without the dedication and hard work that many volunteer and snowmobile clubs gave to this trail,” said Barnett. “This project is aimed at community development, building tourism product, increased employment opportunities and support of the ongoing maintenance and development of trails in B.C.”

“The District is pleased to be part of this initiative to establish and revitalize the historic Cariboo Gold Rush Tail,” said 100 Mile House Mayor Mitch Campsall. “This trail will generate needed jobs in tough economic times.”

Campsall said the project realizes a long-term recreation objective of the District. The trail runs from 70 Mile House to Horsefly. Work has already begun to clear brush, fallen logs and hazard trees under the supervision of DWB Consulting Services, a local contractor.

Once complete, the family-oriented trail system can be used by other outdoor enthusiasts such as walkers, bicyclists, bird watchers as well as snowmobilers, making it a year-round tourism asset, said Steve Law of DWB Consulting.

“The trail is already creating jobs – we have people out there working, including crews from 100 Mile House as well as the Alkali Lake, Canoe Creek and Dog Creek Bands,” said Law.

The project is part of the larger network of Heritage Trails projects being coordinated by NPTGS with community partners and with assistance from funders including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, the National Trails Coalition and the Northern Development Initiative Trust said NPTGS co-chair Chris O’Connor.

“We’re delighted to work in partnership with the District of 100 Mile House and other partners to help create such a great heritage tourism asset,” said NPTGS co-chair Chris O’Connor. “This trail is putting local people to work. When completed, it’ll boost tourism and benefit local business.”

O’Connor said the Gold Rush snow mobile trail is a key part of NPTGS’ larger “Pathways to Gold Heritage Trails” project. NPTGS has entered into partnerships with groups for four initial projects. In addition to the Gold Rush snow mobile trail, NPTGS is working on:

  • Boston Bar-Coldwater First Nations Trail, involving Boston Bar First Nation which will see reconstruction of the traditional First Nations Trail from Boston Bar to the Coldwater.
  • Harrison-Lillooet Trail, a partnership with the In-SHUCK-ch Nation will see a large portion of the gold rush era “Douglas Trail” (built along the ancient First Nations Sasquatch Trail) restored.
  • Hope-Tulameen Brigade Trail, a partnership between NPTGS and the Hope Mountain Centre to help local workers restore the Hudson’s Bay Company 1849 “Brigade” Trail.