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Trail boosters converge on Pemberton

Provincial organization holds AGM in village

Pemberton was trails central this weekend.

The province’s top trail advocates, members of Trails BC (TBC), were here for their organization’s annual general meeting and to discuss a number of issues relating to non-motorized multi-use trails.

Léon Lebrun,
TBC Vice President and Southwest Regional Director, said the AGM on Saturday, April 28 attracted members from all across the province. He said delegates came from as far away as Cranbrook, Vancouver Island and the Okanagan.

The AGM included presentations from representatives in the communities along Highway 99. Ruth Simons spoke about trail issues in Lions Bay. Todd Pope, the Trails and Outdoors Program Specialist with the District of Squamish, spoke to the group along with Frank Savage, a planner with the Resort Municipality of Whistler.

Pemberton mayor Jordan Sturdy opened the AGM with introductory remarks and the group also heard from Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Representative Susie Gimse.

Gordon McKeever, the Sea to Sky Trail project manager, also addressed the group.

Jan Naylor of the Pemberton Valley Trails Association (PVTA) said the Sea to Sky Trail is a great link that strengthens the connection between Pemberton and Whistler.

She also said Pemberton benefitted from hosting the trail advocates from across B.C.

“It is a huge tourism benefit,” said Naylor.

She said the visitors left Pemberton as ambassadors who will encourage their friends and family members to visit the village.

“The representatives from the towns were great,” said Lebrun.

The AGM agenda also included updates on the Burrard North Shore Spirit Trail, the Trans Canada Trail and other recreation sites and trails across the province.

The PVTA, the Village of Pemberton and the SLRD hosted the AGM and it was held at the Pemberton Community Centre.

“They really made us welcome,” said Lebrun.

It wasn’t all work for the association members. Some met on Friday to ride mountain bikes from Chance Creek to Squamish along the southern portion of the Sea to Sky Trail then on Sunday a small group hiked from One Mile Lake to Nairn Falls along the corridor trail. The hikers returned to Pemberton via Sam’s Loop on the west side of Highway 99.

Check Thursday's edition of Pique Newsmagazine for more.