2012-As the links between traditional tourism and outdoor recreation grow stronger, recreation trails are becoming recognized as increasingly important drivers of economic development and tourism. The development of an integrated parks and trails system which features the world-class Williams Lake trail system was identified as an area which could easily be developed and then marketed resulting in a significant economic impact for Williams Lake and the surrounding region.
The City of Williams Lake undertook a feasiblity study that identified the key areas that needed to be addressed to develop a tourism product that would fulfill the potential of the existing and future trails and park network. The study analyzed a number of aspects including a review of the current trail inventory, determination of future needs, review and integration of existing city and regional plans with regional and provincial strategies, community consultation, determining liquidation and acquisition priorities, identifiying employment and training opportuntiies for First Nations and displaced forestry workers, and identifying marketing strategies.
The study has also determined project costs for the short and long term in the areas of development, marketing, maintenance and expansion, as well as project return on investment, and investment as a result of further trails development projects over time.
Visit the City of Williams Lake’s website to download the Parks, Trails & Outdoor Recreation Master Plan that was informed by this study.
