The Ashcroft Slough Society has conditional support from local government in its push to gain access to the riverfront nature park.

Specifically, the Thompson Nicola Regional District board has voted to support the society’s attempt to gain safe and legal access to the slough, if it’s also endorsed by CN Rail and the Ashcroft Terminal.

Speaking earlier this spring to the TNRD, Ashcroft Slough Society vice president Gloria Mertens says the corporations could allow access, and says it’s a matter of willpower.

“The Ashcroft Slough Society supports the expansion of the inland port. We believe, however, that economic development must go hand-in-hand with community wellbeing and livability. In this case, that community wellbeing and livability is access to the Ashcroft Slough.”

Access to the slough through Evans Road has been blocked for more than a year, because of the build-out of the terminal.

Despite the society’s push and TNRD’s conditional support, terminal staff have essentially quashed the idea of allowing road access to the slough because of safety concerns. But COO Kleo Landucci has floated the idea of helping create another option for recreation use in the Ashcroft area.

(Photo: HUB Online Network)