September 18 – The Last Spoke Unveiling

On September 18, 2020, the Greenways Trail Alliance and many of the Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail supporters, donors, stakeholders and users socially-distanced together to witness the unveiling of the Last Spoke Sculpture. The event marked the official opening of the Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail after a long journey totally close to 6 years of planning, fundraising, development and construction.

The communities of Invermere and Fairmont are officially connected with 25km of safe and rideable paved trail, and open to the public to enjoy. Whether you ride, walk, blade or any other method of human-powered transport, you’re welcome to join in the fun.

We’d like to thank everyone who joined us on September 18 and 19th to celebrate the official opening of the Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail. The Trail is open and rideable end to end; we invite everyone to go out and enjoy the great Fall weather!

A huge thank you to artist Cajsa Fredin of Black Star Studios in Invermere, BC for her amazing Last Spoke Sculpture.

“Everyone is invited to join the celebration. Take a selfie and post using #OurTrail, and enjoy this incredible trail – there is simply nothing like it!”
says Lianne Lang, Project Manager.

“A huge thanks to everyone who helped make this trail a reality. We want everyone to come out on Saturday to enjoy the Trail with us, take a photo, watch for the drones that will be capturing the day, and stay safe”
says Lyle Wilson, Chair of the Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the benefits that this accessible, 25-kilometre multi-use trail will bring to the residents and visitors of Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs. By making investments in community infrastructure across the province, we are helping to build healthier, cleaner and better connected communities, improving the quality of life for people in this area for years to come.”
The Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

“Getting outside and staying active is so important to the health of a community and its residents,” said the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Accessible recreational infrastructure like the Markin-MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail connects communities and provides individuals and families with safe ways to enjoy the outdoors. Canada’s Infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds stronger communities.”

“This beautiful trail has now become an asset for our community;  I was pleased to assist in raising $1.5 million from the Provincial Government and assist with navigating the Agricultural Land Reserve issues. I want to thank everybody involved for their hard work, volunteerism, and donations. I want to especially thank Lyle Wilson and Bob Shaunessy for their unwavering support. Congratulations to all involved who truly made this a legacy for our region.”

MLA Doug Clovechok, Columbia River – Revelstoke