The first draft of the City of Rossland Recreation Master plan is now available to view here. The Black Jack board is pleased to see the emphasis on the value of trails, including our network, and overall alignment with our 2020-2024 Strategic Plan. The Recreation plan prioritises improved trailhead amenities and trails, but we are concerned that the opportunity to integrate these improvements with Black Jack Ski Club are not front of mind.
We encourage you to complete the feedback survey before the closing date of December 14.
For Section 7/8 (Outdoor Facility Priorities), Section 9/10 (Top 10 Priorities) and Section 13 (Final Thoughts), we suggest the following actions:
Strongly agree with the priority to “Support a thriving trails network”
Comment on why you agree, including reference to:
Support for the development of Black Jack Ski Club’s trailhead facilities and their year-round potential
Development of beginner / accessible skis trails, with potential for year-round use as granular (gravel) xc walking / hiking / biking trails
Access between Black Jack and Red Mountain
Extended comments on the draft plan:
We are pleased to see the call to support a thriving trail network, including trails in surrounding areas (pg. 65). We encourage the City to plan for year-round use (as identified by council - pg. 41) by designing trails that serve as beginner / accessible skis trails, with potential for year-round use as granular (gravel) xc walking / hiking / biking trails. New trails could improve the connection between BJSC and Red Mountain, or increase the recreation potential around the Ophir Reservoir.
We strongly agree with the importance of developing adequate trailhead facilities to support our outstanding trail networks. Louis Joe, Railgrade, and Old Wagon Rd are listed as potential priority trailheads (pg. 140). We have recently initiated a major infrastructure initiative for the Black Jack main trailhead, including the design and development of a new lodge. We hope the City of Rossland can partner with us to realise this project. Already this trailhead is a year-round destination, with ever-increasing visits to Thin Air Disc Golf. Following the addition of Mxiɬp Xewílh and the revamping of the Aqueduct and Adventure trails, the potential for this area as a recreation hub is only growing.
Regional collaboration is identified as an opportunity (pg. 18) and supporting collaboration between trails groups is recommended (pg. 65). BJSC would like to emphasise the growing need for regional coordination as trail networks and user groups grow, and call upon the City of Rossland to take a leadership role in this realm.
Strengthening partnerships with community groups is listed as a top 10 priority (pg. 83, 96). BJSC would welcome training and support for Black Jack’s volunteers to improve our fundraising and long-term planning capacity.
The importance of BJSC as a core recreation asset is made clear by the usage figures (pg. 120): Just under 50% of respondents visit BJSC weekly, and roughly 25% visit 3+ times per week. Our membership numbers are approaching 1000 for the third straight year, reflecting the rise in flexible, unstructured activities noted more broadly in the trends analysis (pg. 115).
We would like to applaud the beginner ski programming coordinated by the City in partnership with BJSC. These classes have received excellent community uptake. We would like to see these programs continue alongside potential new programming (pg. 80).
Less than 10% of residents responded to the survey (pg. 14). Given the importance of recreation to our city, we’d like to see greater participation in this important planning project.