Grant could help pay for Giant’s Head Mountain trails

Summerland council has authorized staff to submit an application to the B.C. Rural Dividend Program for the Giant’s Head Mountain Trail Project.

The project is in partnership with the Rotary Club of Summerland.

The grant request is for $435,000 of the total project budget of $725,000.

The Rotary Club is committed to contributing $100,000; the district $70,000 in 2017 and $120,000 in 2019.

“The B.C. Rural Dividend fund promotes projects that enhance the quality of life to attract investment, and this project will be considered a Destination Trails Project,” director of development services Dean Strachan told council Monday.

The proposed trail network includes a series of walking loops, hiking trails and a mountain bike trail. The plan also identifies improvements to the lookout and parking area.

Attention is given to protecting the mountain’s natural assets, including prevention of erosion.

“More details will be provided in future phases, with presentations to council and community consultations within the next months,” Strachan said.

Giant’s Head Mountain is a valued local landmark that has been growing in popularity as evidenced by its attracting provincial, national and international events. These events include the Giant’s Head Grind, the Ride the Giant long boarding competition and the Giant’s Head Run/Man of Steel Triathlon.