In this edition of On the Trail, we are looking at progress on the Trails of the Paulson project.
Trails of the Paulson
Partners are coming together to establish a recreation area that will allow all users to safely access trail networks in the Paulson, Old Glory, Mt. Saint Tomas area, located in the Kootenay Boundary region. This area holds huge economic opportunities for the many communities that sit on its fringe.
Citizens of Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Christina Lake, Genelle and other small communities in this area would benefit economically if a detailed map showing historic sites, recreation areas, trails and areas of existing development. There is a tremendous potential for mixed-use recreation in this region along with neighboring regions. This project could lead the way in establishing such a recreation area in the Paulson that would complement other neighboring regional maps such as Trails of the North Fork (GFATV) and trail networks planned for the Salmo and Nakusp areas.
Engaging Community
2019 – Partners held meetings in surrounding communities to engage the public on this project. Unfortunately due to the Covid-19 we were not able to continue our meetings in every community, however the meetings held in Castlegar and Trail were very well attended.
Recognizing Partners
Grand Forks ATV and West Kootenay Snow Gowers have worked together to install kiosks and signage in the Paulson area. Many thanks to RSTBC and RDKB for provided funding and amenities for this project. Trails of the Paulson has been a great project were GFATV and WKSG have signed an MOU to work together, creating a free brochure c/w map and installing kiosks and safety signage. During the project the two not for profit societies have worked well together, having several public meetings, many group meetings planning trails and signage. This fall with continued support from RSTBC and RDKB we worked together to install kiosks and signage throughout the Paulson area. Signage was created by Vicom Design and signs by Alpine Signs.
Thank you to supporters of Trails of the Paulson:
- West Kootenay Sno-Goers (WKSG) – https://westkootenaysnogoers.com/
- Sutherland Group – https://thesutherland.group/
- Columbia Western Community Society – http://www.columbiaandwestern.com
- Recreational Sites and Trails of British Columbia (RSTBC) – http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/
- Regional District Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) – http://www.rdkb.com
- Quad Riders Association of British Columbia (ATVBC) – http://www.atvbc.ca
- Vicom Design – https://www.vicomdesign.com/
- Granby Post & Beam – http://postbeam.com/
- Alpine Signs – https://alpinesigns.ca/
- City of Castlegar – https://castlegar.ca/
- Destination Castlegar – https://www.destinationcastlegar.com/
- City of Trail – https://trail.ca/en/index.aspx
- Village of Salmo – https://salmo.ca/
- Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society https://ckiss.ca/
- Grand Forks Realty – https://www.grandforksrealestate.ca/
- Lakeview Motel – https://christinalakeviewmotel.ca/
- Canco – https://cancopetroleum.ca/
- Main Jet Motorsports – https://www.mainjet.ca/
- Regional District of Central Kootenay – https://www.rdck.ca/
- Cutting Edge Global Equipment – http://cuttingedgege.com/
This project would not happen without the dedicated and continual support from volunteers, groups, communities, and businesses in our region. Thank you.
THANK YOU
Making Progress
Partners came together, meeting on several occasions to discuss the first phase of the project, identify trail routes and points of interest to be put in the free Trails of the Paulson Brochure with Map. The second phase of the project has seen kiosks installed at identified locations complete with trail map as shown in the brochure. The third phase of the project is to develop a mixed-use camping site at 24-Mile staging area.
The following images are of kiosks and signs installed in the fall of 2023 (some of the shelters and kiosks were existing).
