Summerland approves trail studies
Work is expected to get underway later this year on long-term efforts to formalize the trail networks on two mountains within the District of Summerland.
Council this week voted unanimously to approve the planned scope of work for the project, which will involve hiring consultants to study the situations on Conkle and Cartwright mountains and come up with recommendations for improvements.
Such improvements are expected to include classification and mapping of existing trails, recommendations for new trails and amenities, and more.
Both hills are already crisscrossed with trails that meander through public, private and Crown land, plus territory of the Penticton Indian Band.
“I think this is a really good project because Conkle Mountain and Cartwright are being used more and more every year. We have more and more different uses, and so people are competing for trail use,” said deputy Mayor Erin Trainer in advance of the vote.
“I think Conkle has kind of been like the Wild West for a long time but it is showing its wear and tear on the trails, so I hope this will help provide a guide for us going forward so we can protect those places but then also allow (people) to continue enjoying those parks.”
The price for the project, which is expected to include costed implementation plans stretching out over 20 years, is $100,000. A provincial grant will cover $10,000 of that, while the balance will come from the district’s reserves.
Lori Mullin, the district’s director of community services, told council there will be an extensive collaboration process.
“This includes the Province of B.C., Penticton Indian Band, neighbouring landowners, local trail users, Visit Summerland, local businesses and others that are identified through the project,” she said.
The new project will set the stage for phased trail redevelopment similar to what’s been underway on Giant’s Head Mountain since 2018.