Shuswap residents are invited to take the next step towards the West Bay Connector Trail.
In March, the City of Salmon Arm will be hosting a pair of open houses where people will be able to see the route of the trail mapped out between the city through Neskonlith and Adams Lake communities to the northern edge of the Adams Lake Community (Switsemalph No. 6) near Pierre's Point Road/50th Avenue NW.
"We have heard from Knowledge Sharers, Elders, and community members about how we can respectfully highlight the cultural significance of the area, as well as the location and design elements of the trail," announced the city via social media on Thursday, Jan. 30. "This has been a critical step in shaping the preliminary design. We are now ready to present the preliminary vision to the community and hear what you think."
The open house events will take place on Saturday, March 8, one from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Song Sparrow Hall in Salmon Arm, and the other from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Pierre's Point log building at 2569 Campground Rd.
"Feedback, insights, and experiences will help guide and inform the preliminary design of a trail that incorporates cultural understanding and knowledge while reflecting the needs, desires, and aspirations of those who will walk, cycle, roll and explore along the trail," said the city.
In addition to the open houses, the city will be launching on online survey on the preliminary design. The survey, available at surveymonkey.ca/r/WestBayConnectorTrail, opened on Jan. 29 and runs to March 12.
"When the detailed design stage is established and receives community and regulatory approvals, funding will need to be procured to start the construction phase. We will share more information once the preliminary design is complete," explained the city.
In January 2020, the city signed a memorandum of understanding with the Neskonlith and Adams Lake bands for the trail’s creation. The city and bands are partners in the West Bay Trail Working Group, which includes the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, Interior Health, CP Rail, the MLA, the MP, Province of BC, Switzmalph Cultural Society and the Shuswap Trail Alliance. At that time, more than 40 people had died along the railway tracks between Salmon Arm and lands to the west.
Last August, the city awarded the preliminary design work to ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd.
"While there are many trails and connections throughout our communities, there currently is no direct connection for pedestrian/cyclist travel from the City downtown core to the north-western edge of the community," reads a city staff report presented at the Aug. 12 council meeting. "The only available corridors for use are the shoulder of the Trans-Canada Highway, or along the edge of the CPKC Rail corridor. Neither one of these options are considered safe for frequent use by individuals or groups."
