Castlegar to Nelson Active Transportation Corridor Vision Plan
The proposed Active Transportation Corridor will be a 45km active transportation route linking the two anchor cities of Castlegar and Nelson, within the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
Castlegar to Nelson Active Transportation Corridor Vision Plan
The proposed Active Transportation Corridor will be a 45km active transportation route linking the two anchor cities of Castlegar and Nelson, within the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
The West Kootenay Cycling Coalition, in partnership with the Regional District of Central Kootenay, is undertaking an Active Transportation Corridor Vision Plan (ATCVP) to create a year-round, inclusive, and accessible multi-use path that will link Castlegar to Nelson and can be used for safe commuting and recreation. The West Kootenay Cycling Coalition has hired WATT Consulting Group’s Kelowna-based Transportation team to prepare the ATCVP.
On a bike tour starting from Castlegar. From left: Solita Work, WKCC – Simon Lesiuk, WATT – Geoff Yule, Castlegar Rotary Club – Garry Gawryleyz, Castlegar Rotary Club – Trish Dehnel, WKCC.
Goals:
The plan will build from the clear goals expressed by the community during previous phases of outreach and other planning efforts to date, to inform future engagement and help envision what the corridor might look like and operate like and what that would mean for residents that live along this corridor.
Purpose:
The purpose of this corridor is to facilitate multimodal travel by integrating with other transportation modes. We will explore opportunities for integration with existing transit, walking, and biking trails to create a more cohesive transportation network.
- Provide safe, affordable, convenient options for active transport commuters of all ages and abilities
- Develop a stakeholder and public engagement process to gather feedback on active transportation priorities and areas of concern
- Develop potential options to address active transportation concerns, based on a review of existing transportation systems, as well as the consultation process
- Prepare a phased approach for achieving the vision based on feasibility and priority
- Prepare a project-specific budget that supports the implementation of the Castlegar-Nelson ATC
Major rock cuts in sections along the highway make construction challenging. This makes route investigation a key component of the project as exploring alternatives is important in the process to understand trade-offs and considerations.
Use of existing quad trails in some sections avoids highway routing.
WKCC member overlooking one of the many hydro dams along the route.
There are many options and considerations for routing along the confined river valley. This photo overlooking the infrastructure includes Highway 6, Blewett Road bridge, CP railway, and the Lower Bonnington Dam in the distance.
Active Transportation for All!
Active Transportation will encompass all forms of mobility, including walking/rolling, cycling, transit, while commuting to work, heading to school, doing it for recreation, socializing or running errands with the benefit of supporting active lifestyles and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The intent of the corridor is to be safe and accessible for all ages and abilities.
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