British Columbia Sports Federation

OUTDOOR RECREATION COUNCIL OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

1606 West Broadway. Vancouver. B.C. V6J 1X7 Phone 736-9751

Mayor J.M. Campbel1 and Council March 26, 1976

Municipality of Port Coquitlam
2272 McAllister Avenue
Port Coquitlam, B.C.

Dear Mayor Campbell:

In our February. 26th letter, we enclased our brief, "A Trails and Access
Programme for B.C.", Minutes of an Urban Trails Meeting and Summary of Trail
Provisions and Trail Problems in Municipalities in the Lower Mainland. While
our brief is intended to encompass trail provisions on all jurisdictions, this
letter is intended to provide clarification of our brief with respect to the

interests and role of Municipalities.

In the brief, we have documented the widespread ptiblic interest and concern
for trails in B.C.; we have reviewed provisions for trails in Britain, the
United States and other Provinces; and, we have made recommendations regarding
trail planning and policy. and trail programme implementation. At this stage, we
are primarily recommending that technical and advisory committees be set up to
study overall trail problems and trail: needs.

Based on our review of public concerns and recommendations, the priority
items are trail development, maintenance and protection within, and close to,
urban centres.

It is clear in our view, that the crucial role of the Municipalities. is to be
the planning and delivery mechanism for actually implementing urban trail systems,
However, funding and co-ordination mechanisms, policies, and perhaps legislation,
are absolutely essential before implementation goals are foreseeable. We .urge
you to support the principles of our brief in order that co-ordinated and positive
actions towards implementing trail programmes in the Lower Mainland and throughout
British Columbia can be assured, ;

We are asking Municipal Councils for endorsement of the the following three
principles in order that citizens in the Lower Mainland can have the trail oppor-
tunities and quality of life that they are seeking:

1. the need for co-ordinated urban trails systems in a regional context.
It is our view that each Municipality would administer its own trail system.

2. the need for a Provincial fund to be available for Municipalities, Regional
Districts and public groups to apply for financial assistance for trai]
planning, construction and maintenance,

3. the need for designated responsibilities for a Provincial Government agency

(for example, the Outdoor Recreation Branch), a Government Technical Co-ordin-
ating Committee (representing Provincial, Regional and Municipal government

eee 2