Press Release - Tourism Kamloops launches Freeride Fund for Trail Sustainability
Dylan Sherrard
A community-powered initiative supporting trail maintenance and celebrating Kamloops’ freeride legacy.
For Immediate Release – Kamloops, B.C. — June 10, 2025 — Tourism Kamloops is proud to announce the launch of the Freeride Fund, a trail maintenance and community giveback initiative focused on Kamloops’ sanctioned trail networks and designed to honour its storied mountain biking legacy while addressing the pressing need for sustainable trail upkeep. With the busy summer riding in full gear, this initiative arrives at a pivotal moment to rally community support and celebrate Kamloops’ commitment to trail stewardship.
Recognized as the Birthplace of Freeride, Kamloops has experienced a dramatic increase in trail usage—a trend seen across British Columbia. With that popularity comes pressure: local trail associations, largely volunteer-driven, are tasked with maintaining a growing network of trails under increasingly demanding conditions. The Freeride Fund offers a direct solution by ensuring that sanctioned trail networks in Kamloops are supported and sustained—enabled through a formal partnership with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Foundation (TOTF). As a provincially registered non-profit society with CRA charitable status, TOTF provides the charitable framework to receive and manage donations. This partnership ensures that every contribution is tax-deductible (for amounts $20 and above) and fully directed to trail maintenance in Kamloops.
In keeping with the fund’s ethos—freeride ain’t free—Tourism Kamloops is investing $50,000 over the next three years into the initiative. This funding will be directed exclusively to the maintenance of local sanctioned trail networks. From shuttle laps to heart-pounding climbs, the Freeride Fund supports the variety of riding experiences that define Kamloops' vibrant mountain biking culture. This approach ensures all investments directly support legal, authorized trails—reinforcing Tourism Kamloops’ commitment to responsible and sustainable recreation.
“Kamloops has always been at the heart of freeride culture,” says Erik Fisher, CEO of Tourism Kamloops. “This fund is our way of honouring that legacy and ensuring the next generation of riders can continue to explore, connect with the land, and experience the thrill of our trails.”
The initiative also addresses concerns raised in a recent Canadian Press article that shed light on the growing gap between trail usage and maintenance funding—a gap this fund seeks to help close.
“This initiative is about more than just trails,” adds Fisher. “It’s about protecting what makes Kamloops unique—our community spirit, our landscapes, and our commitment to playing responsibly and sustainably.”
Freeride Fund Highlights:
- Sustainable Trail Stewardship: Financial support for the maintenance and improvement of existing sanctioned trail systems throughout Kamloops.
- Community-Driven Giving: In partnership with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Foundation (TOTF), a registered charity, all donations of $20+ are tax-deductible and fully directed to trail maintenance in Kamloops. Admin costs are covered by Tourism Kamloops and TOTABC, ensuring every dollar goes to the trails.
- Collaborative Planning: Tourism Kamloops will engage local trail associations this summer to identify priorities and ensure the fund reflects community needs.
- Authentic Mountain Biking Storytelling: Launching alongside the fund is a new brand campaign rooted in Kamloops’ freeride ethos, showcasing its unique terrain, extended riding season, and passionate community.
Ready to ride it forward? Support trail sustainability today. Learn more and donate at: https://www.tourismkamloops.com/freeride-fund.
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About Tourism Kamloops
Tourism Kamloops is dedicated to promoting Kamloops as a leading destination for adventure, exploration, and unique experiences. With a focus on community engagement and sustainable tourism, we aim to showcase all that Kamloops has to offer to travelers from around the world. For more information about Tourism Kamloops, visit www.tourismkamloops.com.
Media Contact
Ryan O’Donnell
PR Specialist, on behalf of Tourism Kamloops
P: 403-978-6000
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