New collaborative effort will help create opportunities for communities along the Yellowhead Corridor
Vancouver, BC – January 26, 2015 – The Western Canada Mountain Bike Tourism Association (MBTA) in partnership with the Northern BC Tourism Association and the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition is pleased to announce the release of a new strategy to support further development of mountain biking in the region. Northern BC is recognized for its vast wilderness and outdoor recreation opportunities and is increasingly gaining attention as a mountain biking destination. “Mountain biking represents a new opportunity to attract visitors to our region and collaboration among the key stakeholders will be critical”, said Clint Fraser, acting CEO of the Northern BC Tourism Association.
Mountain biking advocates living in communities along the Yellowhead corridor have been building and maintaining trails for mountain biking for over a decade. “Valemount, Prince George, Burns Lake, Smithers, and Terrace have already created some amazing trail networks”, said Martin Littlejohn, Executive Director of the MBTA, “however, the capacity of the local mountain bike clubs and advocacy groups is limited by funding and volunteer support. We are recommending collaboration at a regional level among local governments, regional districts and other regional agencies to support mountain bike development for the social and economic benefits that it can provide.”
Key recommendations include support for trail maintenance, entry level trails and skills parks for beginners and families, consistent signage, programming for youth, greater involvement with the tourism sector, and the creation of a regional brand.
The Northern BC Mountain Bike Recreation and Tourism Strategy was supported by the following communities and organizations:
- Omineca Beetle Action Coalition
- City of Terrace
- Town of Smithers
- Tourism Smithers
- Village of Burns Lake
- District of Houston
- District of Fort. St. James
- District of Mackenzie
- RD of Bulkley Nechako
- RD of Kitimat Stikine
- RD of Fraser Fort George
- Village of Telkwa Lake
- Village of McBride
- Northern Development Initiative Trust
The project team included Martin Littlejohn (MBTA), Patrick Lucas (David Nairne & Associates) and Donna Green (market research specialist). For any inquiries or to obtain a copy of the report please contact Martin Littlejohn at martin@mbta.ca