A new province-wide study aims to shed light on the economic benefits of the Fernie Trails system, with Fernie selected as one of six pilot communities. Funded by the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport, the research will provide key insights into how trails contribute to local economies, tourism, and community well-being.
Trail Stewardship and Economic Value in Focus
Mountain Biking BC (MBBC) received $715,500 for a Trail Stewardship Enhancement Project, which will fund trail information kiosks, signage, and a comprehensive community trails impact study. The study will initially focus on six pilot communities—Fernie, Golden, Kamloops, Squamish, Vernon, and Cumberland—before expanding to other MBBC member communities.
The project will use mobile analytics data, trail counters, visitor surveys, and community focus groups to measure trail usage and assess its economic impact. Grant Lamont, project manager, emphasized the study’s role in supporting future land-use decisions and securing funding for trail maintenance.
“Data helps governments make informed land-use decisions,” said Lamont. “If we can demonstrate user numbers, visitor origins, and the economic value of trails, we can advocate for more resources to maintain and expand trail networks.”
Increased Demand and Trail Management Challenges
The surge in outdoor recreation since COVID-19 has placed increased pressure on trail management organizations. Martin Littlejohn, executive director of MBBC, noted that many volunteer-led groups are struggling to keep up with the administrative and maintenance demands.
“The capacity of community trail groups was stretched to its limits during the pandemic, and that hasn’t changed,” Littlejohn explained. “Beyond building trails, there’s a growing need for structured approvals, funding, and long-term sustainability.”
By representing trail organizations at a provincial level, MBBC aims to provide advocacy and demonstrate the economic importance of trails in B.C.
High-Tech Data Collection to Shape Future Planning
The study is being conducted in partnership with Dr. Farhad Moghimehfar, a tourism and sustainability researcher from Vancouver Island University. The research team will use mobile analytics data to track anonymized user movements, providing insights into visitor demographics, travel patterns, and trail usage.
“Every time we use our phones, apps with location services track movement. This data, combined with telecom provider insights, gives us a clearer picture of who is using trails and for how long,” Moghimehfar explained.
Additional data will be gathered through visitor and local surveys, community focus groups, and historical records from trail managers. The study, running from February to September 2025, will produce multiple reports tailored to different stakeholders, ensuring that the information is useful for municipalities, tourism boards, and trail advocacy groups.
What This Means for Fernie
Fernie has long been a top mountain biking and outdoor recreation destination, with trails playing a vital role in tourism, community health, and active transportation. This study will provide the metrics needed to support future investments in trail infrastructure and ensure long-term sustainability.
As Fernie continues to develop its trail networks and active transportation initiatives, the results of this study will help shape decisions that benefit both local residents and the growing outdoor tourism industry.
Source: Mountain Biking BC
