Crowsnest Pass Mountain Bike Trails & Skills Park

October 15, 2011

Claresholm, Alberta - Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Minister of State (Finance), on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, in conjunction with Community Futures Crowsnest Pass announced the completion of the Mountain Bike Skills Park and the development of Mountain Bike trails on the east side of Pass Powderkeg Ski Hill.

Funding for the initial project was provided through the Rural Diversification Initiative, a federal funding program offered through Western Economic Diversification Canada, and partnering community, private and public sector cash contributions (Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, Teck, Shell, UROC, Full Moon Adventures, Ironstone, Devon, CNP Quad Squad, Community Development Trust through South West Alberta Trails, CNP Ski Hill Society, Alberta Excavating).  In kind contributions and many volunteer hours from community partners, especially UROC members, have also been very substantial. Without this wonderful support, we would not have the results we have today.

“Our Government is proud to have invested in this project through the Community Futures – Rural Diversification Initiative,” said Menzies. “The completed trails and Skills Park will enable the Crowsnest Pass to capitalize on the rising popularity of mountain biking and contribute to enhancing job and economic growth opportunities in the region.”

In conjunction with providing opportunities for local Mountain Bike enthusiasts, this is a very positive initiative for the Crowsnest Pass in becoming a Recreational Tourism Destination in Alberta. It will bring into the community a substantial amount of Mountain Bike enthusiasts and tourism dollars, as well as opportunities for business development and expansion.

Rural Diversification Initiative (RDI) provides funds to Community Futures organizations for economic diversification projects in Alberta. RDI is targeted at larger scale rural diversification projects with clear measurable economic outcomes and strong private sector support.  Community Futures is proud to be sponsored by Western Economic Diversification Canada.