British Columbia Gets $280K Trail Investment
Sicamous, British Columbia received $280,000 in funding to develop climbing access, new downhill trails, and upgraded parking for a trail system in a region with little previous riding infrastructure. The investment will transform the trail network in an area known more for houseboats and snowmobiles.
- The funding is part of the second phase of development for the Owlhead Mountain Bike Park, a project spearheaded by the Shuswap Trail Alliance. This non-profit group manages over 200 kilometers of authorized trails in the region through partnerships with local communities. - The $280,000 comes from the Economic Opportunity Fund, a provincial program that supports communities impacted by dam and reservoir construction. The District of Sicamous council gave unanimous approval for the use of these funds. - The project will add three new trails: a 2.5-kilometer climbing trail, an intermediate downhill route, and a technical black diamond trail designed with features like elevated bridges, teeter-totters, and steep descents. - Upgrades to an upper parking area are also included in the plan, a feature that will benefit snowmobilers who use the area in the winter. - This investment is a key part of Sicamous's strategy to expand its tourism season into the spring and fall, creating a more year-round recreation destination. - The first phase of the park, consisting of a climbing trail and an intermediate downhill trail, opened in the summer of 2025 and quickly became popular with local riders and walkers. - Construction on the new trails and parking facilities is slated to begin in 2026. - The project includes a partnership with the Splatsin First Nation, on whose traditional territory the park is situated. This collaboration will feature interpretive signage about the area's cultural history and native plants.
