On July 9, Daniel Scott, Trail Specialist with RSTBC along with members of the Slocan Valley Historical Trail Society made a presentation to Council of the Village of Slocan about future development possibilities of the Slocan portion of the Rail Trail.
Improvement ideas have been discussed for years by SVHTS, such as easing parking congestion, beautifying the Beach access, making better use of the gazebo and improving the surface of the Trail.
RSTBC has made this project possible with funding from FLNRO and Trans Canada Trail.
This past winter, we have been busy talking to user groups and local volunteers to see what options we could offer.  A new public toilet has already been built in the Spring funded by RSTBC and maintained by a partnership of Village of Slocan and SVHTS volunteers.
Suggestions for the Slocan Trail Head Improvement Project include:
a) paving a small portion of trail to provide a year round hard surface for walkers, seniors and cyclists who use it extensively, from new parking lot to Park Ave or a little beyond to the future site of the Historical Boat exhibit.
b) providing a wheel chair accessible path from gazebo, new toilet, parking lot, picnic table, to future site of Historical boat.
c) developing a separate gravel parking lot for Trail users away from the present congestion near the Beach.
d) greening up the space next to the dog Beach and adding picnic tables.
e) creating a dedicated horse trail parallel  to the Trail (where possible) that would  separate activities for safety and maintain hard surface for cyclists and walkers.
f) installing new safer bollards and fences where appropriate to maintain the non-motorized status of the Trail.
g) creating a new equestrian parking lot close to card lot off Slocan Rd South Trail to provide safe access to horse riders.
It is hoped the plan will be finalized soon and work can start this Fall. Your feedback would be appreciated!”