Residents of Copper Desert Country are benefitting from a $24,000 contribution from the Federal Gas Tax Fund to expand the wheelchair-accessible trails at Isobel Lake.

“We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world and everyone should get to experience our parks and trails,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“I am thrilled to know that people of all abilities in Isobel Lake are now able to access and enjoy an improved trail network thanks to this partnership between the local, provincial and federal governments.

Isobel Lake offers one of the few wheelchair-accessible trails in the province and was fitted with some new upgrades to help accommodate residents of all physical abilities.

New upgrades include trail building as well as an installation of new benches, picnic tables, roadside barriers, footbridges and signage.

In the past 12 years, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) – an influential component in the new expansion – has received a collective $13.8 million as a result of the Federal Gas Tax Fund.

“The Federal Gas Tax Fund provides capital investments for a broad range of recreational and tourism infrastructure,” explained John Ranta, Chair of the TNRD.

“The improvements made to the Isobel Lake Trail Network will help promote health, well-being as well as tourism and economic growth.”