The District of Summerland is excited to announce that phases 1 & 2 of the Giant’s Head Mountain trails redevelopment project have been completed.  
 
Giant’s Head Mountain Park is a beautiful 87-hectare park with historical, ecological and recreational importance in the District of Summerland. In 2018, the District, in consultation with the community, completed a Trails Redevelopment Plan which balances recreation opportunities and natural conservation.  
 
The mountain which is situated in the centre of town, is a popular attraction for residents and visitors for hiking and recreational biking. To protect the ecosystem values, a comprehensive environmental management plan was completed prior to trail work commencing.  
 
The Rotary Club of Summerland was a key partner from the very beginning through contributing $100,000 to the project and assisting with securing $445,000 of provincial Rural Dividend funding. The Rotary Club further supported the project by providing additional funds of $26,500 for signage. The value of providing expanded access and opportunities on the mountain as a tourism generator while protecting the environmentally sensitive areas were driving factors in moving this project forward. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Rural Dividend program. 
 
“The Rotary Club of Summerland is pleased to have been able to provide funding from the proceeds and generous donations received through the annual Giants Head Grind - Christopher Walker Memorial event to partner in bringing this incredible project together. The work that has taken place on Giants Head Mountain will provide enjoyment for our residents and visitors alike and help maintain the integrity of the mountain and all of its natural assets for years to come” indicated Ellen Walker-Matthews, Rotarian and Founding Chair of the Giants Head Grind. The project, which totalled close to $800,000, included federal Gas Tax Funds of $200,000. This federal funding program, administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, delivers funding to local government infrastructure and capacity building projects in BC.  
 
“Hiking is great exercise, and conserving our natural environment is critical to having healthy communities, so I am thrilled to see the Giant’s Head Mountain trails redevelopment project is now complete,” said the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “It’s wonderful that residents and tourists can now enjoy this beautiful area knowing careful attention has been paid to protecting its precious ecosystems. Canada’s Infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across Canada, and builds stronger communities.” 
 
Minister Selina Robinson said "The completion of the Giant’s Head Mountain Trails Redevelopment Project will connect the Summerland community through a safe and accessible trail network, which creates recreation opportunities while protecting the area’s ecosystem. It’s partnerships and investments like these that will connect communities and support active lifestyles for residents and visitors for years to come.” 
 
The Trails Redevelopment Project included upgrading 5.4 kms of trails, building 2.2 kms of new trail, trail decommissioning for erosion control and environmental protection, new guard rails, park entrance improvements, road pull outs, reinstallation of viewing tubes and trail signage.  
 
The District would like to recognize the efforts of Bench Site Design for their consulting, design and contract administration services over the last several years, and Cabin Forestry for implementing the project. 
 
"Last year Summerland celebrated the official opening of the Summerland Skatepark—this year we mark the completion of Phases 1 and 2 of the Giant’s Head Trails Redevelopment Project," said Mayor Toni Boot. "Both of these projects provide upgraded recreational amenities for residents and visitors and both projects were only possible through a collaborative effort between the District, funders and community partners. Council thanks the Summerland Rotary Club for their vision and commitment to this Project." 
 
The District encourages everyone to visit and enjoy the mountain. Please respect the grasslands and stay on the dedicated trails. Due to COVID-19, the gate for the road remains closed to allow for more space for physical distancing.   
 
Please visit the District of Summerland website at www.summerland.ca to view the Giant’s Head Mountain trails map.