The Thompson Nicola Regional District board of Directors and invited guest from the City of Kamloops and Mayors Blackwell and Stamer from Clearwater and Barriere, took their annual educational tour of the North Thompson on August 16 and 17.
The TNRD tour bus made stops in McLure, Barriere, Little Fort, Clearwater, Vavenby, Avola, staying overnight in Blue River to hold their regular general meeting at the Blue River Community Hall. Following the morning board meeting, the large group joined the community residents at the newly completed Blue River Pedestrian Suspension Bridge that now connects the Blue River Trail Network on both sides of the Blue River, providing a pathway to year-round recreation in the North Thompson.
According to the TNRD website, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), the Government of Canada, the Province of BC, and local partners Trans Mountain and Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing held a grand opening event on August 17, 2023, to celebrate the completion of the Blue River Pedestrian Suspension Bridge and its first full year of operation.
The Blue River Pedestrian Suspension Bridge was fully completed in December 2022, rejoining the trail network for the first time since a previous structure was washed away by heavy rains in the late 1980s. The Pedestrian Suspension Bridge was identified as a top priority in the Blue River Trails and Active Transportation Plan that was completed in July of 2021.
Located on unceded Simpcw territory within TNRD Electoral Area “B” (Thompson Headwaters), the Blue River Trail Network provides outdoor opportunities year-round, such as walking, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more. The trail system is comprised of 27.5 kilometres of hiking and biking trails, which in the winter transform into 11.8 km of groomed cross country skiing trails and 13.2 km of ungroomed snowshoeing trails. The trails take you along river vistas and through valley floors lined with cedar and spruce trees in this inland temperature rainforest. Trail heads are located both east and west of the Blue River town-site.
“We are fortunate in Blue River to have so many outdoor opportunities right at the doorsteps in this small town. With the pedestrian suspension bridge and an ongoing project to establish trail signage and infrastructure, the Blue River Trail Network continues to grow as a destination for people seeking many outdoor activities,” said Lee Onslow, Electoral Area “B” Director. “The community also appreciates the funding partners that have helped make the pedestrian suspension bridge possible, through the Canada Community Building Fund and generous contributions by Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing and Trans Mountain.”
The TNRD provides Tourism Marketing as a service that is specific to Electoral Area “B,” and the Blue River Trail Network is a key component of outdoor recreation in the area that is promoted through this work. With long, unhurried days and mountains of possibilities no matter the season, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had in Blue River. To find out more, visit: blueriverbc.ca
Funding Contributions:
• Trans Mountain Community Benefits Agreement: $80,000
• Canada Community Building Fund: $60,000
• Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing Resort: $37,500
• TNRD Electoral Area “B” Parks Budget: $56,166.83
• Total Project Cost: $233,666.83
The Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) is a permanent source of funding provided twice per year to provinces and territories, who in turn flow this funding to municipalities and regional districts to support local infrastructure priorities. Local and regional governments select how to best direct the funds to a range of eligible projects. The CCBF is administered in British Columbia by the Union of BC Municipalities.
Elias Ortner, General Manager, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing commented during the event on behalf of the popular heli-ski resort, saying, “Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing (MWHS) and the Wiegele family is honoured to be able to contribute to this project to support the community and outdoor recreation. Connecting the trail network with this pedestrian suspension bridge enhances the experience in Blue River for locals, visitors, MWHS guests and employees. We want to thank the TNRD for completing this bridge, and we are looking forward to enjoying it in the years to come.”
Lee Onslow, Director for Electoral Area “B” (Thompson Headwaters) was excited to invite Steve Quinn, former TNRD Director for Area “B” and her own ten year old son, to assist in the ribbon cutting at the new suspension bridge on August 17 to the applause and cheers of those gathered. “We are looking forward to using the bridge year round – such a great addition to our trail network,” said Onslow.
