PVTA History
The Pemberton Valley has a history of trails going back since time immemorial to the first dear, trading and hunting and gathering routes of the Líl̓wat people. Over the years the network has grown to also include a variety of trails used for recreation including, horseback riding, hiking, running, moto and mountain biking. Many of these trails have been built by tireless volunteers as well as through paid builds funded by various community groups.
As the trail system in Pemberton grew there became a need to come up with a comprehensive strategy and plan to care for the network. In 2001 the PVTA was born. Charity status was granted in 2004 and in 2009 the first edition of the Trails Master Plan (TMP) was released. The TMP was created to reflect the significant growth in trail usage and construction, concerns surrounding the preservation of cultural and environmental values, as well as the increasing pressure from private development.
Eleven years later in 2020 the Pemberton Trails Master Plan was revised to its second edition. This important document was signed off on by the Líl̓wat Nation, RSTBC, SLRD, VOP and the PTVA. A Steering Committee which also included representatives from the Líl̓wat Business Group, Líl̓wat Lands & Resources Department and PORCA also played an invaluable role to its development. The finished TMP is guided by the vision of an inclusive and well-managed trail network with a full spectrum of recreational opportunities that fosters: Environmental sustainability, Respect for cultural values, Community well-being, Individual well-being, Economic opportunity. This document is actively used today as a critical reference source for the vast majority of all new projects, trail proposals and maintenance work.
2022 saw the re-brand of the organization, new look, web site, socials, logo and drive towards the moto 'trails for all'.
Since 2022 the Trails Working Group was created (TMP Page 71) which includes representatives from the Líl̓wat Lands & Resource department, RSTBC, SLRD, PVTA, PORCA, PWA, SPS, SCF, VOP. The group which meets 4 times a year work together as a united front to guide the Trail Planning process in Pemberton. The PVTA Trail Maintenance Plan which holds current and future long term project goals (guide by Community Survey Feedback and the TMP) was created as an open and shared document for all aforementioned organizations to view, comment and feedback on. No major work is done without respectful consent, there is a process that is honoured, we support each other.
2023 saw the highest number of volunteer and paid trail hrs ever recorded. Thanks to funding received from the SLRD two new part time trail crew assistants were hired to assist the PVTA lead Trail Builder Darren Nicoll. The PVTA and the Pemberton community are entirely grateful.
In winter the PVTA are still active. We are proud to offer our recently launched XC partnership program within the Pemberton Valley. Previously with the Beer Farmers and now with Big Sky Golf there are both classic and skate ski routes available in one of the most picturesque areas of the Valley, be sure to check them out!
As the trail system in Pemberton grew there became a need to come up with a comprehensive strategy and plan to care for the network. In 2001 the PVTA was born. Charity status was granted in 2004 and in 2009 the first edition of the Trails Master Plan (TMP) was released. The TMP was created to reflect the significant growth in trail usage and construction, concerns surrounding the preservation of cultural and environmental values, as well as the increasing pressure from private development.
Eleven years later in 2020 the Pemberton Trails Master Plan was revised to its second edition. This important document was signed off on by the Líl̓wat Nation, RSTBC, SLRD, VOP and the PTVA. A Steering Committee which also included representatives from the Líl̓wat Business Group, Líl̓wat Lands & Resources Department and PORCA also played an invaluable role to its development. The finished TMP is guided by the vision of an inclusive and well-managed trail network with a full spectrum of recreational opportunities that fosters: Environmental sustainability, Respect for cultural values, Community well-being, Individual well-being, Economic opportunity. This document is actively used today as a critical reference source for the vast majority of all new projects, trail proposals and maintenance work.
2022 saw the re-brand of the organization, new look, web site, socials, logo and drive towards the moto 'trails for all'.
Since 2022 the Trails Working Group was created (TMP Page 71) which includes representatives from the Líl̓wat Lands & Resource department, RSTBC, SLRD, PVTA, PORCA, PWA, SPS, SCF, VOP. The group which meets 4 times a year work together as a united front to guide the Trail Planning process in Pemberton. The PVTA Trail Maintenance Plan which holds current and future long term project goals (guide by Community Survey Feedback and the TMP) was created as an open and shared document for all aforementioned organizations to view, comment and feedback on. No major work is done without respectful consent, there is a process that is honoured, we support each other.
2023 saw the highest number of volunteer and paid trail hrs ever recorded. Thanks to funding received from the SLRD two new part time trail crew assistants were hired to assist the PVTA lead Trail Builder Darren Nicoll. The PVTA and the Pemberton community are entirely grateful.
In winter the PVTA are still active. We are proud to offer our recently launched XC partnership program within the Pemberton Valley. Previously with the Beer Farmers and now with Big Sky Golf there are both classic and skate ski routes available in one of the most picturesque areas of the Valley, be sure to check them out!
