The Kitimat Snowmobile and Hiker’s Club is seeking community support to fix up the trails on Robinson Ridge.
“We’re currently working on a project that we’re calling the Robinson Ridge Recreation Area Improvement Project,” said club president Chad Fournier.
They’re looking towards gaming grants to do trail improvement and alignment, and improve general accessibility.
He said the ultimate goal is to replace the Robinson Ridge cabin, which is, technically, classified as an emergency shelter and warming hut.
He sought and received a letter of support from Council, to include in their funding applications for the Community Gaming Grant.
If they successfully receive the Gaming Grant that will earn them $35,000.
Meanwhile the club is also seeking $15,000 through other grants to install a BC Parks approved back country toilet on Robinson Ridge.
Fournier told the Sentinel that in a very preliminary budget, the whole work on Robinson Ridge is expected to total $130,000, but that’s not taking into account things like in-kind labour.
But if the group successfully brings in all of the grants they’re applying for, they’ll get $50,000 of the project paid for.
The work planned for Robinson Ridge complements the years-long project that has been ongoing on Clague Mountain.
On Clague, they’ve been doing trail work, recently opened a new cabin, and this past weekend installed a brand new outhouse.
They are also installing new cedar boardwalks to either extend the trails or replace existing boardwalks which are falling apart.
For Clague and Robinson Ridge the work will also benefit the winter-time maintenance of the trails.
The club is waiting for eventual approvals for the applied-for grants before seeking out further public assistance to make the plans a reality.
“If we’re successful in getting either of the two grants, we’ll feel more confident that the project is something we can really get behind and others will give consideration to getting behind, either financially or otherwise,”
he said.