Castlegar Friends of Parks and Trails Society is a non-profit charitable, volunteer organization that maintains trails and builds new trails for hiking and biking in the Castlegar area for non-motorized use. We hire a small seasonal crew to undertake trail maintenance. We encourage the use of parks and trails while respecting the natural environment and the area’s cultural heritage.
Members of our organization assist our endeavours by voluntary contributions of labour and/or financial donations in excess of the basic membership. We produce and distribute a Newsletter on the Society’s activities and related interests. The production and distribution of the Newsletter is covered by the Basic Membership fee of $20.00. Voluntary premium memberships bring in revenue for the other aspects of our operations.
If you want to report concerns about the condition of our trails or our activities, you may do so here.
News
March 17, 2022
2022 Trail Maintenance / Builder Position
The Castlegar Parks and Trails Society (CPTS) encourages the creation, maintenance and use of environmentally-friendly, multi-use public trails through education and direct trail development and maintenance activities. We have received funding though the RDCK and CBT to operate a paid trail crew for the 2022 season to maintain trails operated by CPTS. This crew will be directed by Maintenance Manager Dave Sutton and lead hand Jason Lynds. The crew will be
employees of CPTS.
We are seeking three (3) full time seasonal positions consisting of approximately 35 hours/week beginning early May 2021 and concluding late-August 2021. Wage is $16-18/hour depending on experience. There is an opportunity to have some vacation time in late July/August for up to 2 weeks if desired.
How to apply:
Submit your resume and cover letter via email to castlegarparksandtrails at gmail.com
Click here more information.
Questions can be directed to the same email.
March 1, 2022
Volunteer Position
The Castlegar Parks and Trails Society Is Seeking a Treasurer
The Castlegar Parks and Trails Society (2001) is a registered non-profit charitable, volunteer organization that maintains trails and builds new trails for hiking and biking in the Castlegar area for non-motorized use. We are seeking an individual with experience in accounting and finance to be our Treasurer. Knowledge of board governance and previous board experience is considered an asset. The Treasurer would provide support to our Executive Director who oversees the operations of the Society. The treasurer must be a member of the Castlegar Parks and Trails Society Executive Committee.
Thank you for your interest!
August 24, 2020
Skattebo Reach Trail Upgrade
Castlegar Parks & Trails Society is planning to upgrade Skattebo Reach trail to improve access for both cyclists and hikers. Skattebo Reach trail is 12 km long and connects the Ootischenia area to Glade. The trail is located alongside the east bank of the Kootenay River. It was built and is maintained by Castlegar Parks & Trails Society for non-motorized use, only.
While the work is in progress, there may be some disruptions to access. These will be minimized, as much as possible, so that portions of the trail can still be enjoyed while the work is ongoing.
Castlegar Parks & Trails Society encourages the public to provide comments and queries before October 9, 2020 to the email address found at the end of this document.
November 19, 2019
Read our current newsletter.
September 25, 2018
Attention Merry Creek Trail users. Log hauling has started on the Merry Creek road and will continue all fall. Please exercise great caution travelling on the road. Keep your speed to 30 kmh and pull over for the trucks if you can. They will often pull over for you if they are at a good spot. Note that trucks will likely be Monday to Friday but you could expect other traffic using the road on weekends as well. Be Safe!
May 17, 2018
The Wards Ferry Trail is closed until further notice as per Teck’s request.
March 29, 2018
Job openings for trail builders for the 2018 season to build a mountain bike downhill trail at Merry Creek. How to apply: Submit your resume and cover letter via email. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday May 1st at 4pm. Questions can be directed to the same email.
For more information check out the job profile.
November 14, 2017
See the Public Consultation Summary from the input gathered earlier in the year.
April 2, 2017
The Castlegar Parks and Trails Society would like your input on future trail development in the Castlegar Area. Please take a few minutes to fill out our survey, it is short and sweet. Thank you for your input!
March 17, 2017
Our Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday April 18th at 7 PM at the Castlegar Complex. Hope to you see you there.
November 18, 2016
Columbia River Trail is closed for drainage upgrading until further notice.
September 18, 2016
The Castlegar Parks & Trails general meeting is set for Wednesday, October 26th at the Castlegar Community Complex starting at 7 pm. Hope to see everyone there!
August 17, 2016
Message from: Trails to the Boundary Society
Just so you are all aware, there is no water at the Cyclists Rest Stop on the Kettle Valley Railway in Rhone, BC.
The owners are keen to have cyclists and hikers stop by. However, the water is not working there for people expecting it. They had a pump malfunction and it’s not going to be repaired. They don’t welcome overnight camping, it’s just a “rest-stop” and “no camping” sign is posted.
Tap water is in short supply throughout the 155 km between McCulloch and Eholt. We strongly recommend travel with a water filter or purification tablets. Greenwood has tap water at Lions Park and at the Assay Office next to the Greenwood Museum, The Midway Village Campground has spigots, Kettle River Rec Area – the KVR rail trail follows the Kettle River for a significant length. However, faithful tap water is a problem when needing to hydrate on the really hot days we are expecting in the upcoming week.
Take your kid mountain biking
Posted October 3rd, 2015.