By Corey Fischer

GVAC Seeks Stakeholder Balance On New Trail Committee

Jun 8, 2018 | 6:15 AM

The wheels are in motion for a new regional committee to provide feedback on trails and natural spaces to local government.

The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has approved the terms of reference for such a committee, which would include up to 20 members from stakeholder and public groups.

GVAC chair Juliette Cunningham says it would be valuable input.

“We’ve tried to include as many stakeholder groups as possible to give us some input. When you look at these groups, I think they have a lot of experience in using trails, not just here, but in other areas.”

The plan is to have groups like the North Okanagan Naturalists Club, Ribbons of Green, the North Okanagan Cycling Society, Recreation, Sites and Trails BC, North Okanagan Parks and Natural Areas Trust and Allan Brooks Nature Center on the Trails and Natural Spaces Advisory Committee.

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Cunningham says it will include a balance of stakeholders representing hiking, cycling and naturalists.

“So it’s managing all of that, and they’ll be talking about where do you have the washrooms, where do you put your garbage cans, signage and all of those types of issues.”

The plan is to have the committee meet four times a year and provide advice to RDNO on trails and natural space issues, including the Rail Trail.

GVAC director Mike Macnabb says it’s a positive step, which will go along with new standards for trails.

“And I think going forward, that’s a good thing because now we have some consistency in terms of development and what you can expect. Some areas will be very rudimentary, and others will be nice, wide paths and graded,” says Macnabb.

by Corey Fischer