At the Dec. 12, 2022, regular council meeting Village of Canal Flats mayor and council heard from the president of the Elkford ATV Club.  

The club is currently working towards the creation of a significant backcountry trail system, starting with a trail connecting Coleman, Alta. and Canal Flats.  

Council heard from the club’s president, Tom Kramer, who explained they already have support from a variety of other stakeholders including the Elk Valley RCMP, the Elkford, Sparwood, Radium and Columbia Valley Chambers of Commerce, East Kootenay MLA Tom Shypitka and others.  

The project is to include maps, signage and kiosks that incorporate traditional Ktunaxa Nation language and knowledge.  

Kramer said it would be open to those on ATVs, bikes, horseback and on foot and be a more accessible way to access the backcountry ethically.  He explained the trail would capitalize on existing forest service roads. 

After hearing from Kramer and discussing, council unanimously passed a motion to provide a letter of support to the club.  

More information on the proposal can be found in the Dec. 12 council agenda.