Community Futures Success Story: Trails That Bring Jobs, Visitors and Growth
Community Futures Crowsnest Pass is committed to backing community-led initiatives that diversify our region’s economy and build opportunity. A leading example is the trail network developed by United Riders of Crowsnest (UROC) in the Crowsnest Pass region.
Background: With support from the Community Futures Crowsnest Pass office, the project began back in 2010 when Community Futures Crowsnest Pass received a large grant and engaged IMBA Canada to develop a master plan for mountain-bike trails across Crowsnest Pass. Community Futures coordinated early funding through municipal contributions and provincial recreation grants; we also helped plan community-engagement activities to set the groundwork for a strong destination asset.
Today: What began as a vision for sustainable recreation has grown into over 95 kilometres of professionally built single-track trails connecting our communities and drawing visitors from across Western Canada. Additionally, UROC has built a Kids Corner and Skills Park, inspiring the next generation of riders and providing a welcoming space for families and youth to develop skills and enjoy the trails together. UROC now employs six full-time seasonal staff to continue growing and maintaining the trail network.
Why it matters: This trail system brings fresh economic energy, attracting visitors who spend in local lodging, food, bike services and retail; it provides employment and builds year-round community vitality; and it leverages our natural landscape into a sustainable asset.
Read more about the history of this project here - https://imbacanada.com/crowsnest-pass-redux/
Learn more about UROC here - https://uroc.ca/
Photo Credit - Threshold Media
