Smithers is still working on connecting the Cycle 16 trail to town and recently got some money to help with the project.
The Cycle 16 trail is a 12-kilometre, paved, multi-use trail linking Telkwa and Smithers along Highway 16, with Phase 1 currently done.
The town was awarded $500,000 from BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant for the project.
The funding will go toward the construction of a new multi-use pathway along the Fulton Ave right-of-way, stretching 1.8km from the Bulkley River bridge to the existing Fulton Ave multi-use pathway.
The estimated cost for the project is $1.7 million, the rest will be paid for with the Town’s Northern Capital and Planning Grant Reserve.
Last year, WSP designed the project.
Tenders for construction to start this spring are currently posted and the result of the bidding process will finalize the construction cost.
This will help connectivity within the town and will link to the Cycle 16 Trail connecting Smithers to Telkwa once fully completed.
The Cycle 16 society requested the town do this project three years ago and the town has unsuccessfully applied for grants to pay for it until now.
The trail design and construction will comply with accessibility standards for active transportation, similar to the Cycle 16 Phase 1 section completed in 2022.
Planning for Phase Two of the Cycle 16 trail is well underway. HBH Land Surveying Inc has completed the topographical survey and WSP, the engineering consulting firm, has started the detailed design. Fundraising for it remains a priority for the Cycle 16 society.