A plan to establish a trail network around the Village of Cache Creek is set to get underway.
Cache Creek is one of 80 communities across the province that received funding from the BC Government for active transportation planning to improve walking and cycling infrastructure.
Mayor John Ranta says they received $20,000 as part of the rollout of funds, noting they will use it to create the overall plans for a trail network around the village.
“It will lay out the mapping plan as well as the engineering on some of the projects required, whether it be footbridges or other initiatives to connect the pathways around the village.”
Ranta explains a trail network has been discussed on multiple occasions in the community.
“For a number of years, various councils have considered having walking or biking trails around Cache Creek so that people can move around without necessarily using their car.”
However, Ranta says after the plans are complete, they will need another $20,000 to carry out the projects identified in the plan.
“Hopefully — once the plans are developed — we can apply for grant funding to undertake the projects identified,” he said.
“We do not have a big pot of money in Cache Creek to spend on things like this, but we are optimistic — in light of the fact — we did get a grant that the province will look favorably on the application to do some work.”
Due to a rise in people biking and walking to work – Ranta predicts there will be strong community support for the trail network once fully operational.