Project Title:

Community Unity Trail Technical Studies

Project Organization:

Village of Zeballos

Project Investment:

  • Island Coastal Economic Trust: $15,000
  • Village of Zeballos: $7,930
  • Rural Dividend Fund: $91,720
  • Total Budget: $114,650

Executing upon recently completed economic development strategies, the villages of Tahsis and Zeballos, in partnership with the Mowachaht/Muchalaht and Ehattesaht/Chinehkint First Nations, collaborated on a ‘Community Unity Trail’ connecting the two communities through a shared-use ATV trail. The working group undertook development of the business case required for the project, however additional technical fieldwork was required to secure the necessary regulatory approvals, and by extension, significant capital funding for the trail.

The project involved a complete environmental assessment of the forest and streams along the proposed trail, to ensure the environmental integrity of the adjacent habitat. The project also included engineering designs for stream crossings and other safety and sustainability improvements necessary to secure a formal recreation trail designation under the Forest and Range Practices Act.

As a result of this project, the Community Unity Trail was able to secure the necessary financing and regulatory approvals to proceed to formal trail development. Upon completion the trail will support a range of benefits, from increased visitor spending and extended tourism season, to enhanced visitor opportunities around motorized recreation. The designation is currently under assessment with approval anticipated shortly.