Claymine Low Mobility Trail Officially Open

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Bouchie Lake is the most recent community in the Cariboo Chilcotin to unveil a new accessible trail. The Claymine Low Mobility Trail was built in partnership between the Cariboo Regional District (CRD), the Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission, Northern Development Initiative Trust, Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition and the provincial government through the BC Community Recreation Program.

Approximately one kilometre in length and with a gentle grade, the Claymine Low Mobility Trail winds through lush forest, looping around a large boulder, before travelling back to the trailhead. A wide variety of wildlife and bird species can be spotted in the area and there is an active herons’ nest in the vicinity of the trail. An accessible outhouse, accessible picnic table and an information kiosk are available at the trailhead.

“The Claymine Low Mobility Trail is another stellar project – a lasting legacy as part of the more than $400,000 given to the Cariboo Regional District for the development of 14 accessible trails,” says Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and Minister Responsible for TransLink. “The B.C. Government is proud to support the completion of these significant trails. Providing barrier-free outdoor amenities benefits all of us, ensuring more people can engage in fun, healthy activities on their own, or while enjoying quality time with others.”

“Congratulations to the Cariboo Regional District on continuing to build outdoor recreation options for residents and visitors. The vision of creating accessible trails throughout the Cariboo is admirable. I wish to also thank the volunteers of the Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission for their ongoing maintenance and care of the trail – you have done an outstanding job,” says Coralee Oakes, MLA Cariboo North.

“This is a momentous day for Bouchie Lake and I am extremely pleased that we have now completed the Claymine Low Mobility Trail,” states CRD Electoral Area Director Jerry Bruce. “However, this was just the next step in making the Cariboo Chilcotin one of the most attractive wheelchair accessible tourism destinations in the world; bringing people of all abilities to a pristine area to enjoy our great outdoors.”

“It is very exciting to have the Claymine Accessible Trail complete. The trail will allow users with a wide variety of mobility levels to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and wildlife at the site,” says Angela Mezzatesta, Facility Agent for the Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission. “We look forward to a greater diversity of visitors enjoying Claymine and would like to thank everyone who helped bring this trail to completion.”

“More accessible wilderness trails means more people can enjoy the beauty of the Cariboo – improving quality of life for residents and the travelling experience for visitors. Northern Development is proud to have provided financial support for this project through our Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program,” states Northern Development Initiative Trust CEO Janine North.

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

The Claymine Low Mobility Trail is located approximately 15 kilometres west of Quesnel. Visitors should cross the Moffat Bridge, heading west from Quesnel, and then turn right onto Elliot Street and then left onto North Fraser Drive. North Fraser Drive will become Blackwater Road. From Blackwater Road, visitors should turn right onto Claymine Road; the destination will appear on the left hand side.

Ongoing management of the site is provided by the Bouchie Lake Recreation 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.