108 Lake Accessible Trail Officially Open

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The 108 Mile Ranch is the latest community in the Cariboo Chilcotin to develop a wheelchair accessible wilderness trail. It’s called the 108 Lake Accessible Trail and was developed 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 108 Greenbelt Commission.

“Community trails are more than just a public pathway. These trails are places where people connect and spend time with friends and family; while enjoying nature and recreational activities. The Cariboo Regional District has done a great job working towards their goals of accessibility and inclusion through these trail upgrades. The 108 Lake Accessible Trail is the latest example in a network of wheelchair accessible trails being completed through funding from Province’s Community Recreation Program and through the hard work, commitment, and vision of CRD Board of Directors,” said Donna Barnett, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.

From the $401,250 Community Recreation Program grant awarded to the Cariboo Regional District for the accessible trail upgrade projects, $85,000 was dedicated to the 108 Lake Accessible Trail.

“I am extremely pleased that we have now completed the 108 Lake Accessible Trail,” stated CRD Chair and Electoral Area G Director Al Richmond. “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 108 Lake Accessible Trail shows what can be accomplished through regional collaboration and commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors of all abilities.”

The 108 Lake Accessible Trail connects to the Sepa Lake Accessible Trail and together they provide seven kilometres of gentle graded low mobility trail along the picturesque lakes. Two accessible outhouses, ten benches and rest stops providing beautiful views, and three accessible picnic tables are available for visitors’ use.

“The Commission is very excited to showcase the new fully accessible 108 Lake Accessible Trail,” said 108 Greenbelt Commission Chair, Ron Soeder. “We would like to thank all of our partners who joined us in making this trail a reality. Those with low mobility who could not previously experience this area are now included and can fully enjoy this beautiful trail.”

“British Columbia’s Cariboo Chilcotin is known for its rugged and beautiful landscapes, but these amazing parts of our province are often difficult to access for people with mobility issues. Accessible travel is one of the fastest growing tourism markets in North America, and this trail project means our region has become that much more accessible to residents and visitors alike,” said Janine North, CEO, Northern Development.

“The Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition is excited to be a part of this regional project,” stated CCBAC Chair, Bob Simpson. “It is an excellent example of how partnerships, cooperation and collaboration can achieve great results. Projects such as the 108 Lake Accessible Trail improve our communities by making our region accessible to all, and enhance the visitor experience in the Cariboo Chilcotin.”

The 108 Lake and Sepa Lake Accessible Trails can be accessed at the 108 Mile Heritage Site, which is 13km north of 100 Mile House and can be accessed directly off of Highway 97, or Kallum Drive at the 108 Mile Ranch. An information kiosk at the 108 Mile Heritage Site displays a map of the site and the trail.

Ongoing management of the site is provided by the 108 Greenbelt Commission.

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 the 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, Gavin Lakeshore Trail, and most recently the 99 Mile Accessible Trail. There are currently eight other accessible wilderness trails being developed by the CRD, some of which were funded through the Community Recreation Program.