(Memekay Horse Camp, BC) – The Strathcona Regional District (SRD), alongside the Back Country Horsemen Society of BC – North Vancouver Island Chapter (BCHBC-NVI), celebrated a major milestone in the Salmon Brewster Trail Corridor Rehabilitation Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony held at Memekay Horse Camp on June 26.
The project supports the rehabilitation and long-term sustainability of approximately 40 kilometres of multi-use wilderness trail within the Sayward Valley. The Salmon Brewster Trail Corridor provides a unique backcountry experience for non-motorized users, equestrians, hikers, runners and cyclists while contributing to tourism development and economic diversification opportunities throughout the region.
The project was supported through the Province of British Columbia’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), recognizing the importance of tourism and outdoor recreation infrastructure in communities impacted by changes in the forestry sector.
The rehabilitation work included trail stabilization and drainage improvements, replacement of aging infrastructure, bridge improvements, enhanced signage, and upgrades to improve trail safety and accessibility.
“This project demonstrates the power of collaboration between community organizations, local government, volunteers, and regional partners,” said SRD Board Chair, Mark Baker. “The Salmon Brewster Trail Corridor is an incredible recreational and tourism asset that supports sustainable economic development while showcasing the natural beauty of the Sayward Valley.”
“The Back Country Horsemen Society has dedicated years of volunteer effort to stewarding and improving this trail system,” said BCHBC President Brian Harder. “We are proud to celebrate this milestone and grateful to everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality.”
The North Vancouver Island Chapter of BCHBC has maintained a partnership agreement with Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) since 2013 to operate and maintain three purpose-built equestrian recreation sites, allowing riders to safely camp with their horses while exploring the extensive trail network throughout the region.
The rehabilitation project represents thousands of hours of volunteer commitment from BCHBC-NVI members and supporters. Volunteers played a critical role in project management, guiding contractors to remote work sites, advising on equestrian-specific trail construction standards, conducting site inspections, collecting trail data to improve user mapping, and assisting with trailhead signage development.
“This project would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, contractors, and community partners,” said Sharon Pickthorne of BCHBC-NVI. “Their expertise, commitment, and countless hours of work have helped ensure that this trail corridor remains a safe, sustainable, and world-class recreational asset for future generations.”
The Salmon Brewster Trail Corridor Rehabilitation Project supports growing interest in low-impact wilderness tourism and contributes to the region’s broader economic diversification goals by strengthening outdoor recreation opportunities and increasing visitation to North Vancouver Island communities.
To learn more about this trail, please visit sitesandtrailsbc.ca/resource/REC191957
Salmon Brewster Trail \ Photo credit: Deb Oakman
Media Contacts: ·
- Brian Harder, President, BCHBC 604-341-6382 | president@bchorsemen.org
- Sheena Fisher, Strategic Initiatives Manager, SRD 250-830-6711 | sfisher@srd.ca