North Shuswap Pathway

North Shuswap Pathway Team

Fundraising for the NS Pathway

The inaugural meeting of the North Shuswap Pathway Project occurred in Spring 2020. Debbie Seymour gathered several like minded enthusiasts together with the improbable mission ‘let’s see if we can get a pathway started in the North Shuswap’ Being excited, and perhaps naïve, none of us realized the extent of the effort. Yet we jumped in feet first. Almost three years later, we are still excited as we are making progress.

Over this time, we have created a Terms of Reference, completed one of the most successful survey’s in the area with over 300 responses, identified seven key sections of the road between Skwlax to St Ives, consulted with experienced trail builders, prepared and presented our findings to Darcy Mooney, Ryan Nitchie and Jay Simpson of Columbia Shuswap Regional District. We were fortunate to receive their support and they committed funds for Preliminary Engineering Designs of the top 3 areas. Continuing from there, CSRD has committed further funds to have a Final  Engineering Design completed for the first piece from Ross Creek Community Park to the parking area just past Fraser Road.

Upon completed review from the Ministry of Transportation, First Nations and the Final Engineering Design, the pathway project will be construction ready. A necessary step for CSRD to apply for Active Transportation Grants. A successful grant application doesn’t provide 100% funding for the project. Depending on whether timing aligns with the Federal or Provincial grant streams, it could potentially be as high as $500,000. CSRD has allocated further funding for leverage monies but this first piece is estimated at a cost of $808,000 and we need help to see the pathway built.

We see this first piece as being the beginning of pathway along the Squilax Anglemont Road and are

asking for the North Shuswap communities support by purchasing a metre for $125, a monthly donation of $10 or any donation amount. We have collaborated with Shuswap Trail Alliance who hold all funds in trust until required. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations over $20

Please use the link below or SCAN THE QR Code to Donate

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/80039

Thanks so much for helping us make this happen! Connecting our community and creating a safe, healthy environment.

North Shuswap Pathway Team

Terms of Reference

MANDATE

The primary goal of the North Shuswap Pathway Team is to provide information and recommendations to Strategic Partners in developing a current Active Transportation Plan which allows the North Shuswap Pathway Team to position itself for potential funding opportunities from all sources.

SCOPE

• Review the existing Greenway Plans and Active Transportation Guides
• Prioritize focus of portions of pathway from Skwlax to St. Ives
• Identify potential funding opportunities
• Identify and engage potential private, non-profit and governmental partners to collaborate in the development of Active Transportation
• Research best practices in Active Transportation from other jurisdictions
• Make recommendations on  priorities for future pathway development for people of all ages and abilities.

TIMELINES

The North Shuswap Task Force will provide an interim report and recommendations to Strategic Partners by Sept 1, 2020

Pathway Survey Conclusions

The survey ran for 21 days, posted on social media and distributed throughout community email lists.

Responses were mainly received by local residents and some seasonal homeowners

There was a high degree of interest with 329 responses given the population of the area. This was critical towards the success of a pathway moving forward in the North Shuswap. It gave us excellent data which we understand is very important to Columbia Shuswap Regional District and our other Strategic Partners. The community has spoken of their wishes.

How is the road being used now and how often?

• 60% of respondents currently use at least one segment of the highway for walking, cycling, running on a weekly basis.
• 70% of the respondents start their active transportation journey from home
• 30% of the respondents drive to a spot along the highway to begin their activity
• 80% of the respondents said they would increase their usage if the proposed pathways were built.

The top 3 sections of the road being used are:

1. Between Ross Creek Country Store to Lakeview Park/Community Centre
2. Between Magna Bay Community Park & Boat Launch to Ross Creek Country Store
3. Between North Shuswap Elementary Scholl and Magna Bay Community Park & Boat Launce

Which criteria should be used for preference of priority to build?

1. Build along  busiest parts of the highway,
2. Build near the most populated areas
3. Build between the park areas

Reasons for using an active transportation pathway

• 85% of respondents cited safety as the key reason to build pathways
• 71% of respondents said that they would use pathways to connect with people or places
• 69% of respondents suggested exercise was part of their purpose in using pathways.

Based on the data collected and the research completed by the North Shuswap Pathway Team the top three choices presented to Columbia Shuswap Regional District for consideration of engineering assessment are:

• Bristow Road Park to Ross Creek Park
• Ross Creek Park to Lakeview Park
• Connectors in Scotch Creek