The passion of a club

For several years, we have been responsible for maintaining a specific portion of the Trans Canada Trail, which stretches from Cascade West to Fife near Christina Lake, BC. This particular section has become immensely popular among trail users, attracting numerous stories and memorable experiences.

In British Columbia, there is a strong advocacy to designate the Rails Trails as non-motorized areas, meaning that only non-motorized activities like walking, cycling, or horseback riding are allowed. However, the GFATV Club, which stands for Grand Forks All-Terrain Vehicle Club, has a different focus. Their mandate is to support Mixed Use Trails, especially recognizing the importance of motorized vehicle accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

As part of their efforts, the Grand Fork ATV Club agreed to declare a specific segment of the Rail Trail, spanning from Cascade West to Grand Forks, as non-motorized. This decision was seen as a positive step to accommodate the needs of various trail users. However, there is now a growing movement to expand the non-motorized designation for the next section to the east, as well as the subsequent section heading west from Grand Forks.

Despite the discussions around motorized versus non-motorized access, it’s important to highlight that the GFATV Club has consistently upheld their commitment to maintaining all area trails. Their dedication allows many seniors and individuals with accessibility challenges to enjoy the stunning scenery and explore the rich history of the beautiful British Columbia outdoors, which would otherwise be inaccessible to them.