Stanley Cemetery receives New Accessible Trail

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Stanley Cemetery Low Mobility Trail is the newest wheelchair accessible wilderness trail in the
Cariboo Chilcotin. The trail was developed in partnership between the Cariboo Regional District (CRD); the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development through the BC Community Recreation Program and the Towns for Tomorrow Program; Northern Development Initiative Trust; the Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition; and the Friends of Barkerville Society

“Creating accessible trails like the Stanley Cemetery Low Mobility Trail throughout our region will allow more people to enjoy the beautiful Cariboo outdoors,” Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes says. “This project reflects our heritage here in the Cariboo and will be a lasting legacy for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly with Canada’s 150th birthday celebration in 2017. By working together, we can continue to provide more recreational opportunities for our residents.”

The Stanley Cemetery Low Mobility Trail provides access to the historic graveyard which is the final resting spot for a number of pioneers and Chinese immigrants from the gold rush era, as well as some later residents. The remains of some of the Chinese gold miners who were buried at the site have since been repatriated to their birthplace.

“I am extremely pleased that we have completed the Stanley Cemetery Low Mobility Trail,” stated Electoral Area C Director John Massier. “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 Stanley Cemetery Low Mobility Trail shows what can be accomplished through regional collaboration and commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors of all abilities, while preserving our heritage and culture.”

The trail has a steep section up a hill to the cemetery and then features a gentle grade throughout the site. An accessible outhouse and informational kiosk are available at the trailhead for visitors’ convenience.

“It is very exciting to have the Stanley Cemetery Low Mobility Trail officially complete. The trail will allow visitors of various mobility levels to enjoy this unique and valuable historic site,” says Robin Grady, Director with the Friends of Barkerville Cariboo Goldfields Historical Society. “We would like to thank everyone who helped to make this trail a reality.”

The cemetery overlooks the old town site of Stanley. This once vibrant town, located on the banks of Lightning Creek, at one time boasted a larger population than Barkerville as a result of the quantity of gold found in the area.

The Stanley Hotel is still standing today.

“Northern Development is proud to support this accessible trail development. For the last several years, we have partnered with the Cariboo Regional District to ensure more trails in our region are accessible for people with low mobility, resulting in new trails at Gavin Lake, Horsefly, Churn Creek and others. Thank you to the Cariboo Regional District and community leaders for partnering with the Trust to make these projects a reality,” 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 Stanley Cemetery Low Mobility Trail improve our communities by making our region accessible to all, and enhance the visitor experience in the Cariboo Chilcotin.”

The Stanley Cemetery Low Mobility Trail, as well as the former town of Stanley, can be found by following Highway 26 east from Quesnel for approximately 45 minutes until the Stanley Road turnoff. Visitors can follow Stanley road until reaching the Stanley Cemetery Low Mobility Trail at the top of the hill.

For further information about the growing list of accessible trails within the Cariboo Regional District, visit us online at www.cariboord.ca and look under Services - Recreation.