Box 22, Winlaw, BC V0G 2J0 info@slocanvalleyrailtrail.ca 1-888-683-7878 (SVRT)

Rail Trail Mowing

June 21st – it’s been a busy couple of weeks, but most of the Rail Trail has now gotten its first mow of the season. This is an on-going program and we’ll be out every few weeks as the weather determines.

It’s perfect cycling weather with interesting plants blossoming, all kinds of wildlife and waterfowl in abundance. It’s also baby season, so be aware that some protective parents may be around. The Rail Trail is a wildlife corridor so please be cautious.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of the Slocan Valley Heritage Trail Society will take place on Wednesday, May 29th at 7 p.m. at the Slocan Park Hall.

Come and join us to review the past year’s accomplishments and discuss what is shaping up to be an exciting coming year of projects on the Rail Trail!Daniel Scott, Trail Specialist from Recreation Sites and Trails will present the new Provincial eBike policy for use on Provincial Trails.  You can read the new policy here:    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/outdoor-recreation/camping-and-hiking/rec-sites-and-trails/ebike_policy_final_04-25-2019.pdf Community input is needed to guide the implementation of this policy.Some of the highlights of 2018 include the construction of a new Station at Evin Rd, acquiring a new mower for trail brushing and our very successful Fall Colours Ride in October, a fundraiser with some of our corporate members.This past winter, helped by a new wave of trail groomers, the Rail Trail has again seen increasing use with skiers and walkers. One of the exciting upcoming changes this fall is the installation of a fibreoptic backbone by Columbia Basin Broadband that will utilize the Rail Trail as a corridor for their Valley installation.Come meet Trail Society members and discuss the management of our Slocan Valley Rail Trail and give input into future directions.

Provincial E-Bike Policy

Attached you’ll find a link to the new E-Bike Policy for Provincial Recreation Trails. Since Rec’ Sites and Trails BC is the owner of the property which the Slocan Valley Rail Trail is on, and we are Managers of the Rail Trail in partnership with them, it feel it is something those who enjoy our Trail should read up on.

Will it have an impact on the direction and usage of the Slocan Valley Rail Trail? While e-bikes have been used for several years on our Trail, the technology is changing rapidly. Will it affect our Trail in the future? There are new challenges every day with what we do. We’re asking folks to give the new policy a read and share your thoughts on how (or if) it will impact what we currently enjoy. Drop us an email if you have any thoughts on this.

Our annual AGM is coming up on Wednesday, May 29th at 7 p.m. at the Slocan Park Hall and there will be a discussion on this.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/outdoor-recreation/camping-and-hiking/rec-sites-and-trails/ebike_policy_final_04-25-2019.pdf

 

 

CATTLE MOVE THURSDAY APRIL 25TH

There’ll be a small cattle drive on the Rail Trail Thursday. The herd will be getting on the Trail at the Winlaw crossing and moving south for aprox. 3 km. The move will most likely be taking place in the afternoon. Please use caution

Come to “DOT DAY” and support the Slocan Valley Rail Trail

Want to support the Slocan valley Rail Trail? This year Dot Day is Saturday, April 6th 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Winlaw Hall. “Dot Day” is the Slocan Valley version of the Columbia Basin Trust’s COMMUNITY INITIATIVE PROGRAM. Funds from the Trust are given to affected areas of the RDCK, which the community decides how to distribute.
This year we have asked for support to have the Rail Trail get a thorough brushing next fall. While we manage to keep the Rail Trail open and usable, there is always vegetation creeping in from the sides. Every few years, we need to get a larger machine to widen out the sides to help keep the Rail Trail open and enjoyable.
If you live in Area H of the RDCK, which covers from the South Slocan junction to Hills, you are invited to attend. You’ll be given four dots. Every group who has applied to receive some level of funding from the program, will have their application on display. You, as residents, get to decide where the funds should go.
Please check them all out. There are many worth projects and causes that need support. All we ask is that you give some of that support to us. Thanks. We hope to see you there.

Family Day on the Rail Trail – Monday, February 19th

This year the annual Winter Day on the Trail will be taking place on the Slocan Valley Rail Trail takes place on Family Day, Monday, February 18th from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The crew from the Slocan Valley Heritage Trail Society (SVHTS)will be partnering this year with Slocan Valley Recreation to offer a fun-filled afternoon. The event   will be set  up at the Winlaw Station and Trailhead.  Like last year we  will be hosting the very popular ski waxing demo (even the newest skis can benefit). For a $15 donation they may even wax your skis! But come early, to make sure your skis get done.

Slocan Valley Recreation will be offering skis for kids and snowshoes for adults to use, should you not have them and want to be part of the Trail experience. There will be  individual and group lessons being offered that might make your skiing experience even better. Both in classic and skate skiing

Of course, everyone is invited to come out and explore the Rail Trail and see what winter has to offer this year. The swans have been seen all along the Slocan River and you might find a few hanging around.  There’ll be a bonfire going and refreshments, a hearty bowl of chili and hot dogs will be available. It’ll be a great time to catch up on what’s been happening on the Rail Trail and what the future brings. Memberships will be available if you wish to support the Rail Trail. All proceeds of the day will go towards maintaining the Slocan Valley Rail Trail.

The Winlaw Trailhead can be reached from Highway 6 in the Slocan Valley. Watch for the large directional signs located on the highway. If requiring more information you can contact the SVHTS at 1-888-683-SVRT, or Slocan Valley rec at 250-226-0008. We can be found on Facebook or on our  new website www.slocanvalleyrailtrail.ca

Winter on the Rail Trail

It’s been a winter of minimal snow which has made it a challenge to groom and trackset the Rail Trail. That said, all the Rail Trail has been groomed as of January 14th, so please get out and take in some valley skiing.

Mark your calendar for Monday, February 18th, when we’ll be doing our annual Rail Trail Ski Day, based out of the Winlaw Station. There’ll be ski lessons available as well as ski waxing (for a minimal fee). Slocan Valley Recreation will be on site with ski equipment to use for the day. We’ll have a fire going and refreshments will be available

Notice of Trail Closure

The Rail Trail will be closed Mon. Nov. 5th through Wed. Nov. 7th 1 km north of the Winlaw Bridge crossing due to construction. No foot, bicycle or horse traffic will be permitted during this time. If traveling along the Trail, please detour to the highway between the Winlaw Bridge Rd and Telford Rd. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Fall Colours Ride – item found

To the woman who lost a personal item at our recent Fall Colours Ride. The item has been found and can be collected at the Dam restaurant and Bar.

FALL COLOURS RIDE AND FUNDRAISER

On Sunday, October 14th, beginning at 2:00 p.m., why not support the Slocan Valley Heritage Trail Society’s  (SVHTS) at this year’s Fall Colours Ride and Fundraiser? Starting at the new South Slocan Trailhead the event’s theme is ‘Anything with Wheels’ to highlight the unique 4 km paved section of trail and the artistic wonder of the new tunnel.  ‘Wheels’ can be bicycles, trikes, roller blades, long boards, skate boards, push scooters, in-line skates, wheel chairs, baby-buggies, cross-training gear and of course walking and running will be okay. The ride will be from South Slocan to Crescent Valley and back, or as far as folks want to go.

With a great deal of support from The Dam Restaurant & Bar in South Slocan, the afternoon culminates there with a Burger & Beverage Fundraiser as well as a silent auction with donations from area business, services and artists; and the grand raffle draw.  There will also be live music from a variety of local musicians.  Burger & Beverage tickets are $20 (proceeds to the Rail Trail) and include your choice of Cheeseburger, Chicken Burger or Veggie Burger with Fries and a choice of a glass of beer, wine or fountain pop as well as entry into the grand raffle draw and can be redeemed any time through the day (Restaurant opens at 11am). . A special surprise is being organized for all the kids who come along for the ride, compliments of Frog Peak Cafe.

The silent auction items will also be available for bidding all day. The successful auctions winners and raffle draw winner are announced at 6 p.m..  Burger & Beverage Tickets can be purchased in advance from The Dam as well as Rail Trail Directors or you can get them at the ride registration the day of the event.  All proceeds from this event will be going to the Slocan Valley Heritage Trail Society to help with the on-going maintenance of the jewel of the Slocan Valley – the Slocan Valley Rail Trail (SVRT).

The ride begins at 2 p.m. with registration running to 3 p.m. at the new tunnel entrance below the Dam Restaurant & Bar. Every entrant will be eligible for the grand raffle draw. Tickets will be on sale there for the Burger and Beverage special for folks to enjoy after their hearty workout on the ride. Kids will also be getting a ticket for the Frog Peak surprise  to enjoy after their ride. As well, Rail Trail ball caps and memberships  for the Rail Trail Society will be on sale. The silent auction will run until 6 p.m.

So why not come out for a ride and experience the newest section of the Rail Trail? Bring the family and friends and enjoy one of the most scenic Rail Trails in the province. What better way to finish off than by dropping in for a bite at the restaurant, listening to some great music and putting a bid in for some great auction items? For more information call 1-888-683-7878 or email info@slocanvalleyrailtrail.ca  or contact the Dam Restaurant.