Port Clements is designing a BMX bike track that could eventually hold American Bike Association-sanctioned races.
Councillor Gerry Johnson told his fellow council members Monday (Feb. 3) that he has been helping a group of volunteers design the official track and figure out how much it will cost. Their efforts have already attracted big donations from the local men's and women's fastball teams, $4,500 from the recreation commission and $4,000 worth of fence donated by Edwards and Associates.
"I didn't know anything about BMX until I got involved in this, and it's big stuff," Mr. Johnson said, adding that it's not just for young people. "They event have old critters up to 50 years old racing around. It's a life-long thing."
If islanders form a bike organization, it could join the American Bike Association, and the Port track could hold events allowing members to accumulate points. This could help attract new tourists to the islands, he said.
Port council voted to send a letter of support to the volunteers, who are trying to secure a Gwaii Trust