City of Williams Lake Acquires RC Cotton Waterfront Lands

City of Williams Lake Council is excited to announce the transfer of RC Cotton waterfront lands from BC Rail to
the City of Williams Lake for recreation trail and lakefront access.
Considered a vital link in the River Valley recreation trail system, the waterfront lands form a 1.3 kilometerlong
route between the lake and Stampede Grounds. This connection strengthens Williams Lake’s city center
presence on the waterfront. Flagged as a priority in the City’s Parks Trail and Outdoor Master Plan to promote
walking, cycling and outdoor recreation within the City, the intent is to develop a lakeside trail alongside the
shoreline, providing viewing over the marsh, and conserving the natural lake edge.
The City of Williams Lake has been working to acquire the four-hectare (10 acre) parcel from BC Rail since
2011. Lakeside trail development will be funded in part through a community recreation grant offered by the
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Design of the trail, parking area and amenities will be completed over the coming year. The City is working
with Nature Trust of BC and the Williams Lake Field Naturalists to explore opportunities for a pedestrian
bridge connection to Scout Island that would incorporate the Nature Centre into the City’s River Valley
network. Opportunities for the future include new access to the lake for launching boats and further trail
continuation along South Lakeside Drive.
For more information, please call the Development Services Department at 250-392-2311.