Regional Trails Strategy
Gold Rush Trail | Jonny BiermanRegional Trails Strategy
CCCT on the Path to Exciting New Regional Trails Framework
Amy Thacker, CEO of CCCT, said the participants at nine sessions will have the chance to get an update on what has been accomplished to-date on trails, and to provide input on CCCT’s future project leadership role.
“The incredible trails found across the land without limits are critical assets in our visitor economy, local communities and resident health. Trails support a wide variety of tourism activities – from horseback riding, to fishing access, to cycling, and beyond,” said Amy Thacker, CEO of Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism. “The sessions will make sure people have the information they need, allow them to share their ideas and input on key components, priorities, and the future of the project.”
There are seven in-person sessions, and two virtual ones (the first online session is Monday, Feb. 10) over the coming months. (Details on the session times and locations are below).
People should register by contacting Frank at eco@landwithoutlimits.com or 250-392-2226 ext. 206 (please include name, title and organization). He can also answer any questions or provide additional information.
“I encourage everyone involved in the visitor economy to take part and help shape the future of tourism on the trails,” said Shannon Lansdowne, Chair of the CCCT board. “Tourism supports our local economy, families and well being.”
Regional Trails Framework Project Session Dates
Virtual Session – February 10, 2025
Please RSVP for a Regional Trails Framework Session to Frank at eco@landwithoutlimits.com directly and include your name, title and organization
Background
The final Regional Trails Strategy will provide the CCCTA and its partners with a framework to guide strategic development & management of trails within the region for a period of ten years, aligning with the Regional and Planning Area Destination Development Strategies.
The CCCTA has engaged Larose Research & Strategy (Peter Larose) and McElhanney Ltd (Ted Morton) to manage the project, which will run from November 2021 to April 2022.
Goals and Outcomes
The Regional Trails Strategy will:
- Systematically engage with local governments, Indigenous communities, and trails stakeholders & users to assess their trail-related opportunities and challenges;
- Identify best practices, tools, and resources to assist communities with trail development, management, and funding/governance;
- Strategically identify priorities for trails-related investments throughout the region, including new trail development, maintenance, and possibly decommissioning.
Guiding Principles
- Inclusivity – ensuring all voices and perspectives are included, using a combination of IAP2 public engagement processes, and Indigenous engagement protocols (“Working in a Good Way” and the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Working Group’s “Cross-Cultural Protocols”).
- Respect – recognizing and respecting that all types of trails have value to groups and individuals, whether they are motorized or non-motorized, recreation-focused or culture/business-focused.
- Local Knowledge – acting with the understanding that local communities know their issues and opportunities best, and managing thorough engagement processes to gather this vital input
- Solutions-focus – seeking to identify practical solutions that results in maximum benefits for all.