Mayor Phil Kent, the chair of the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET), announced the funding approval of $6,681 for the Sechelt Groves Society to develop a wheelchair accessible destination trail, in the Hidden Grove Forest, a preserved area of old growth forest in the District of Sechelt.
The total estimated cost for this initiative is $27,000. Kent made the announcement on Monday afternoon.
The Hidden Grove area has evolved to the top of the promoted trail areas on the Sunshine Coast. Located only four km from Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, Hidden Grove is a prime destination for travellers.
The purpose of this unique trail project is to provide spectacular old-growth forest access to people with mobility challenges and special needs.
"This project will provide recreation opportunities to address the shortfall in outdoor recreation facilities for people with disabilities," said Kent in a news release. "This trail will draw these visitors to the Sechelt area and build on the area's existing tourism and outdoor recreation infrastructure. This is consistent with the Trust's mission to diversify the regional economy and provide the building blocks for sustainable economic development.
The public can follow project progress and see virtual tours of the grove at www.secheltgroves.com.
"We are thrilled with the financial support we have received," added society president Bob D'Arcy. "This type of regional collaboration between funders, the business community and volunteers, has moved this trail project from the realm of possibility to reality. Our small non-profit society is pleased to see that our work will not only enhance recreational opportunities for the region, but will also have an impact on the regional tourism economy."
ICET was established in February 2006 under an act of the Province of British Columbia. It provided a $50-million endowment that is managed by an independent board of directors comprised of 13 members - eight mayors and five provincial appointees from the region encompassing all regional districts and municipalities on Vancouver Island north of the Malahat as well as the Powell River and Sunshine Coast regional districts.
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