News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

Cottonwood House Historic Site newest wheelchair accessible trail in the Cariboo

Cottonwood House Historic Site is the most recent location in the Cariboo Chilcotin for development of a wheelchair accessible trail. The Cottonwood accessible trail network was built in partnership between the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) and School District 28. 

“I am extremely pleased that we have now completed the Cottonwood Accessible Trail,” stated CRD Electoral Area C Director John Massier. “However, this was just the next step in making the Cariboo Chilcotin one of the most attractive wheelchair accessible tourism destinations in Canada and abroad.” 

(Photo:  File photo of newly opened wheelchair accessible trail in Horsefly, BC.  Cottonwood House Historic Site is located 26 kilometres east of Quesnel, BC)

The trail network has four route options with a total of approximately 3.4 kilometers to explore, features sections of packed crushed gravel surface, and circles the perimeter of the Cottonwood site, providing a unique view of the historic site and offers a spectacular view of the Cottonwood River. The trail has a very gentle, almost completely flat grade. The trailheads are located at the Cottonwood House Historic Site parking lots and an information kiosk display map of the site and the available trails. 

The location for this trail was identified as a priority site in the CRD-commissioned regional Wheelchair Accessible Trails Inventory and Assessment Study completed by Kary Fell of CARE consulting in 2008. CARE is also providing ongoing consulting services on the project. 

“It’s because of investments like this that B.C. is the healthiest jurisdiction in Canada,” says Cariboo Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett. “It encourages all of our residents, regardless of age or ability, to enjoy the outdoors and lead more active lifestyles.” 

 “This is a momentous day for the Cottonwood House Historic Site, and we are extremely proud of this new trail,” says Ed Coleman, Manager Cottonwood House Historic Site. “I feel that the trails, combined with the accessible facilities will be a huge draw, bringing people of all abilities to the area to enjoy a step back in time at our beautiful historic site.” 

Construction funding was provided by the provincial Towns for Tomorrow and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Community Tourism and the Job Opportunities grant programs with substantial contributions of in-kind efforts from the partners. Ongoing management of the site will be provided by School District 28. 

The CRD Board of Directors 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. On August 9, 2008, the Tatlayoko Community Association developed and officially opened the first Wheelchair Accessible Trails in the Cariboo Regional District. The Association built two kilometers of accessible trail, along with an accessible washroom and a picnic area. In June of this year, the community of Kersley followed suit and opened the Sisters Creek Recreation Site Accessible Trail. Other priority wheelchair accessible sites currently in development are at Ten Mile Lake, the Horsefly salmon spawning grounds, and the 108 Greenbelt.  

| More...