This was a busy and productive summer for the GBCTA on WBC ski trails. Here are some of the projects that were completed:
- In partnership with Bragg Creek Excavating the GBCTA completed installation of 2 new bridges to cross creeks that previously had culverts which chronically froze creating dangerous ice flows. These were among the biggest projects GBCTA volunteers have ever undertaken involving the transport to site and placing of 64 tons of concrete bridge abutment blocks and over 8 tons of telephone pole bridge stringers and decking material . To address environmental concerns prior to construction bridge sites were isolated with temporary dams, the areas were electro fished and brook trout removed, silt fence was installed and after completion all disturbed areas were re seeded with AEP approved native grass mix.
- The GBCTA partnered with Shell Canada to install trenching and cross drains along a stretch of Mountain Road that was prone to ices flows. This work should sustain this popular area through the winter freeze thaw cycles. The GBCTA also contracted Bragg Creek excavating to install a large culvert on east Telephone to address a similar ice flow problem. Multiple cross drains were hand ditched around the system to drain tread.
- Extensive brushing occurred on East Telephone loop to open up areas that were being encroached by alder regeneration. Brushing also occurred at multiple sites around the trails system and all trails were mowed by volunteers in October to create an optimal base for grooming.
- New signage was installed including map signs that reflect trail upgrades.
- AEP re decked the bridge on south Moose Loop.
WBC and Provincial Recreation Area
A big focus of volunteer efforts occurred in the newly re developed PRA (Provincial Recreation Area). Here the GBCTA had a central role in working with AEP to guide completion of the PRA project. A great many hours were spent overseeing the completion of the maintenance compound and moving tools and equipment into the 3 bay storage garage and the heated 2 bay workshop. This maintenance compound is a big step forward in the GBCTA’s ability to maintain and groom the over 140 km of trails.
Cell Phone Service in WB
The GBCTA was instrumental in solving a major public safety concern with the installation of a cell phone hot spot at the Trails Centre and maintenance compound. Cellular and 911 calls ( on Rogers and Telus networks) can now be made on the Trails Centre deck for free by the public.
VHF Radio Base Stations
Winter grooming operations are now safer and more efficient with the GBCTA’s installation of VHF radio base stations in the maintenance compound and Kei trucks and hand held radios for all operators who all now carry Industry Canada issued restricted radio operator licenses.
The new GBCTA quad roller packing Loggers
Equipment Updates
Finally, lots of equipment repairs and maintenance was completed to get ready for the grooming season. The GBCTA also purchased a lightly used 800 cc Can Am tracked quad that we hope will be a major addition to the grooming fleet now also consisting of 2 tracked Japanese Kei trucks and 2 sleds.
Thank You!
All of these accomplishments were made possible by the many generous donations to the GBCTA and thousands of work hours completed by GBCTA volunteers. Happy skiing!
