Building a Stronger North Shuswap Through Trails and Outdoor Recreation

Building a Stronger North Shuswap Through Trails and Outdoor Recreation

Connecting our community, supporting local businesses and protecting what makes the North Shuswap special

In the North Shuswap, we know how fortunate we are to have the outdoors right on our doorstep. From hiking forest trails and mountain biking to paddling our waterways and exploring the backcountry, outdoor recreation is a big part of what makes this area special.

But recreation is about more than getting outside. Thoughtful trail planning can support healthier communities, create opportunities for local businesses, attract visitors and help build a stronger, more resilient local economy.

The Province of British Columbia recognizes this potential through its Look West: B.C.’s Outdoor Recreation Strategy. Outdoor recreation contributed $4.8 billion directly to B.C.’s economy in 2023, highlighting the opportunities this sector offers rural communities like ours.

A Vision for the North Shuswap

The North Shuswap Chamber of Commerce has secured funding to initiate the development of a North Shuswap Destination Trail Planning Framework, working in partnership with the Shuswap Trail Alliance and Shuswap Regional Trails Roundtable partners.

The framework will provide a community-driven roadmap for identifying trail opportunities, establishing priorities and guiding future planning throughout the sub-region. It will build on existing plans, including the CSRD Electoral Area F Parks and Trails planning process, the Shuswap Regional Trails Strategy and the Shuswap Tourism Strategy.

An important first step is establishing a North Shuswap Trails Working Group, bringing together Secwépemc leadership, government partners, community organizations, recreation groups and other local stakeholders. Connected to the broader Shuswap Regional Trails Roundtable, the working group will help build relationships, share knowledge, identify priorities and support a collaborative approach to future trail planning.

Importantly, the framework will consider four-season recreation, including both non-motorized and motorized trails and activities. This may include hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, paddling and other outdoor pursuits, while also recognizing the importance of motorized recreation in our backcountry.

The planning process will include an inventory of existing trails and future opportunities, explore connections between communities and consider supporting infrastructure and amenities. The broader goal is to create recreation experiences that connect our communities, culture and natural surroundings while welcoming visitors to the North Shuswap.

The work will respect Secwépemc values and priorities while considering environmental protection, cultural heritage, responsible access and the long-term management of our trails. The CSRD Area F Parks and Trails planning process will be an important foundation for this work. The destination trail framework is intended to build on that process, not replace or supersede it.

Why Does Trail Planning Matter?

Well-planned trails can deliver benefits beyond recreation. They provide residents with opportunities to stay active, connect with neighbours and enjoy the outdoors close to home. For local businesses, they can encourage visitors to stay longer, explore more of the region and spend money at local accommodations, restaurants, shops and recreation businesses.

A wider range of recreation experiences may also encourage visitation beyond the busy summer season, supporting year-round tourism and a more diverse local economy.

Good planning is equally important in protecting what makes the North Shuswap special. Environmental impacts, wildlife, sensitive cultural areas, land management, recreational access and ongoing maintenance all need consideration. A coordinated approach can help identify opportunities and challenges before decisions are made about individual projects.

Planning for the Future, Together

The framework is intended to be a living document that guides future trail planning, development and management. It will help identify priorities, support collaboration and strengthen future funding applications.

Implementation will depend on continued cooperation among community partners and organizations willing to help move priority projects forward.

This work is particularly important as our community continues to recover and rebuild following the 2023 Bush Creek East Wildfire. Strengthening recreation opportunities, encouraging visitation and supporting local businesses are all part of building a more resilient North Shuswap.

The goal isn't simply to build more trails. It's to plan thoughtfully for the right opportunities, in the right places, with a shared understanding of how they will be used, cared for and sustained over time.

The North Shuswap has so much to offer. By working together, we can build on what we already have, explore new possibilities and protect what makes this place special.