Project and Ribbon-Cutting Event Images
In 2025-2026 the Elk River access location in Elko under went construction to install many amenities, such as this toilet and sign kiosk.
Construction in 2025 in Elko to improve parking at the river access site
Project partners celebrating the official opening of the newly improved river access site in Elko
Representatives from Elk Valley Resources, Elk River Alliance, Tourism Fernie and the AmbassadorWILD Program Project celebrating the official opening of the newly improved river access site in Elko
Improvements Completed in Elko at Elk River Access Site
After five years of planning, funding agreements, design, permits and approvals, led by Tourism Fernie, the Elko site is now an official RDEK Regional Area B Park providing safer and more sustainable access to the region's most important river. This location along the Elk River is part of a larger Elk River Access Improvements Initiative to improve multiple sites.
The upgraded site, located along River Road Extension in Elko, features an engineered boat ramp, improved access road, enhanced parking and turnaround areas, recreation area with interpretive and safety signage, washroom facilities, and picnic amenities. The improvements support a growing number of recreationalists and river users, including anglers, kayakers, rafters, paddleboarders, residents, visitors, emergency responders, and industry operators.
“The completion of the Elko project along the Elk River represents much more than new infrastructure,” said Jikke Gyorki, Executive Officer of Tourism Fernie Society. “It represents years of planning, partnership-building, and commitment to improving access to the Elk River while protecting one of the region’s most important natural assets. We are thrilled to see this final phase completed and available for everyone to enjoy safely.”
The Elko project addresses long-standing infrastructure challenges at the site, where increasing recreational use and deteriorating road conditions created safety concerns and accessibility issues. Originally developed in the 1970s as a primitive river access point, the site serves as a critical take-out location upstream of the BC Hydro dam and river canyon system, while also providing water access for the Elko Fire Department and Canfor operations.
The project was made possible through the collaboration of numerous partners and funders, including the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), Elk Valley Resources (EVR), Province of BC’s Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative, BC-Hydro, Canfor, Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), TC Energy, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, Resident Directed Grant (ReDi), Columbia Basin Trust, Indigenous partners, environmental consultants, local stakeholders, and community supporters.
“The completion of the Elko project marks a significant milestone for river recreation infrastructure in the Elk Valley,” said Stan Doehle, RDEK Electoral Area B Director.
“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when industry and recreation partners work together toward a common goal,” said James Bice, Mill Manager at Canfor. “We extend our sincere thanks to Tourism Fernie for their leadership in bringing this project to completion.”
The Elk River Access Improvements Initiative was launched in 2021 following extensive public engagement, resident surveys, and stakeholder consultations throughout the Elk Valley. The initiative was created to improve safe and reliable river access while supporting stewardship, sustainable tourism, recreation, and long-term environmental sustainability along the Elk River.
Over the past five years, more than $650,000 has been invested in Elk River access improvements. Previous projects have included enhancements at Morrissey, Hosmer, Olsen Pit, and Dogwood Park, creating a network of safer and more sustainable river access points throughout the Elk Valley. Prior to construction at Elko last September, more than $120,000 had already been invested in engineering, permitting, archaeological assessments, site design, and the purchase of amenities including signage kiosks, a vault toilet, and picnic facilities.
The Elko site required extensive collaboration and approvals due to its location on both Crown and BC Hydro lands. Working alongside the RDEK, McElhanney, Indigenous partners, and environmental specialists, the project team completed detailed surveys, engineering work, archaeological assessments, permitting, and environmental reviews before construction could proceed.
In addition to improving recreation opportunities, the project supports regional emergency preparedness. The Elko access point serves as a critical river access location for local fire departments, provides an important emergency egress point upstream of the BC Hydro dam and river canyon system, and supports industrial water access operations, Canfor, that are important to the regional economy.
The site now includes educational signage focused on river safety, fish species and proper fish handling, local geology, First Nations history, and responsible recreation practices. As part of the newly launched Paleo Trail BC (www.paleotrailbc.com), visitors can also explore the area's remarkable geological heritage through interpretive content that connects the Elk Valley's landscapes to millions of years of natural history. The addition of washroom facilities and improved infrastructure will help reduce environmental impacts and support the long-term stewardship of this important recreation area.
Long-term stewardship of the site will be supported through a partnership between the Regional District of East Kootenay and Tourism Fernie's AmbassadorWILD program (www.ambassadorwild.com). As a designated RDEK Area B Park, the Elko site will benefit from ongoing maintenance, visitor education, monitoring, and stewardship efforts to ensure it remains a safe, sustainable, and welcoming recreation area for years to come.
“This project is about much more than a boat ramp,” added Gyorki. “It is about creating a safe, welcoming, and sustainable space for residents and visitors while ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy the Elk River. It also marks the successful completion of a multi-year initiative that has improved access, safety, and stewardship along the entire Elk River corridor. We are now looking to work with our communities north of Fernie and EVR on new access improvement project upriver.”
To learn more about the Elk River Access Improvements Initiative, email projects@tourismfernie.com.