Hallis Lake, B.C. is the latest community in the Cariboo Chilcotin to develop a wheelchair accessible wilderness trail. It’s called the Hallis Lake Low Mobility Trail and was built in partnership between the Cariboo Regional District (CRD); the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development through the BC Community Recreation Program; Northern Development Initiative Trust; the Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition; and the Cariboo Ski Touring Club.
“The Cariboo Regional District is to be applauded for making accessible trails a priority. For people with mobility issues, providing accessibility is more than just creating smoother pathways. It’s about opening up opportunities to participate more fully in life. It’s wonderful to see this accessible trail project come together so close to my home in B.C.,” said Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. "Its completion represents one of approximately 14 accessible trail upgrades in the Cariboo region that we were pleased to support with a grant of $401,250 through the Community Recreation Program.”
From the $401,250 Community Recreation Program grant awarded to the Cariboo Regional District for the accessible trail upgrade projects, $15,000 was dedicated to Hallis Lake Low Mobility Trail.
“I am extremely pleased that we have now completed the Hallis Lake Low Mobility Trail,” stated CRD Electoral Area A Director, Ted Armstrong. “This is the next step in making the Cariboo Chilcotin one of the most attractive wheelchair accessible tourism destinations in the world. Projects such as the Hallis Lake Low Mobility Trail show what can be accomplished through regional collaboration and commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors of all abilities.”
Approximately 760 metres long and featuring a packed, crushed gravel surface, the trail travels through forest down to a lookout with a bench on the shore of Hallis Lake before looping back to the Hallis Lake Cross Country Ski Lodge. The trail has a gentle grade with one steeper section on the way back to the Lodge. At the trailhead, an information kiosk displays a map of the Hallis Lake Low Mobility Trail and an accessible outhouse is provided for visitors’ convenience. An accessible pullout with a bench is also offered along the trail.
“The low mobility trail that the Cariboo Ski Touring Club has just completed provides a great opportunity to attract a greater diversity of people to use the outstanding public recreation facility at Hallis Lake,” said Brian Black, President of the Cariboo Ski Touring Club. “People who could not previously utilize the trails are now included and will really enjoy this beautiful trail.”
“Northern Development is proud to have provided financial support for this project through our Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program,” said Northern Development Initiative Trust CEO Janine North. “The development of these wheelchair accessible wilderness trails means that more people will be able to enjoy this beautiful part of our province, which will increase recreation opportunities and visitor numbers to the area.”
“This is the kind of regional project that the Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition is excited to be a part of,” stated CCBAC Chair and CRD Director, Chad Mernett. "It is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when you have champions willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done who are supported by partnerships that demonstrate cooperation and collaboration".
Hallis Lake Cross Country Ski Centre is located 14.5 kilometres east of Quesnel on Hydraulic Road. For further information about the growing list of accessible trails within the Cariboo Regional District, visit us online at cariboord.ca and look under Services --> Recreation.
About Community Recreation Program
The $30-million Community Recreation Program was developed to address the unique challenges faced by communities in the Province with respect to meeting their recreational infrastructure needs. The program invests in local government capital projects that make communities healthier, more active places in which to live. Through the duration of the program, the B.C. government provided grants for 98 recreation projects throughout B.C. – to help fund everything from bike paths, trails, fitness facilities and walkways to playgrounds and recreation centres.
About the CRD Accessible Trail Network
The CRD Board passed a resolution in 2006 to work towards developing the Cariboo Chilcotin as a world leader in accessible outdoor recreation and tap into niche tourism markets for persons of low mobility. Other wheelchair accessible sites within the CRD include Tatlayoko, Kersley, Cottonwood Historic Site, 108 Mile/Sepa Lakes, Lac La Hache, Horsefly Salmon Spawning Trails and the Gavin Lakeshore Trail. There are currently 10 other accessible wilderness trails being developed by the CRD, some of which were funded through the Community Recreation Program.
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