Fundraiser launched for fountains along regional trails

Despite being lined by thick forest and brush, and occasionally farm fields, Greater Victoria's two regional trails are a bit barren when it comes to water.

In past years, volunteer marathon coach Tom MacDonald had water jugs dropped off by car for 70 or so people struggling through epic 30-plus kilometre training runs. It would be easier, he thought, if there were a few drinking fountains along the way.

Within the next few years he may get his wish. Capital Regional District parks, stewards of the Galloping Goose and Lochside regional trails, agreed to install a series of fountains B次元官网网址� if MacDonald raises the money.

Last week he launched B次元官网网址淎 Drop in the Bucket,B次元官网网址� a fundraising campaign with the modest goal of raising $54,000 to cover the cost of installation and maintenance of nine drinking fountains B次元官网网址� three per year for the next three years.

B次元官网网址淭he trail system is fantastic. Two million people use it each year for running or biking or walking,B次元官网网址� said MacDonald, who works as the executive director of the Local Government Management Association. B次元官网网址淧eople loves the trail system. We just want to work to enhance it.B次元官网网址�

So far, so good. Even with relatively little publicity, he's raised $8,400, the majority of that from one family who sponsored the cost of an entire fountain. People who donate $1,000 or more will earn a commemorative plaque.

A former municipal staffer for Oak Bay, MacDonald knew pitching an idea to the Capital Region with no money likely wouldnB次元官网网址檛 work. CRD parks was enthusiastic about the project, but it wasnB次元官网网址檛 going to vault to the top of the priority list.

B次元官网网址淲e agreed on a budget that I would fundraise. There wonB次元官网网址檛 be a shovel in the ground until I deliver the cheque,B次元官网网址� MacDonald said. B次元官网网址淎nd itB次元官网网址檚 not like were asking for millions. ItB次元官网网址檚 $54,000 over all, nine fountains at $6,000 each.B次元官网网址�

That relatively low cost inspired the B次元官网网址淎 Drop in the BucketB次元官网网址� campaign name B次元官网网址� due to the link with water and that it wonB次元官网网址檛 hit taxpayers. B次元官网网址淭here is almost no cost (to taxpayers),B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭here will be some (CRD) staff time, but itB次元官网网址檚 a drop in the bucket for taxpayers.B次元官网网址�

CRD parks is still working on potential water fountain locations on the Galloping Goose and Lochside trails, but it wants them to mesh with future rest stations, similar to one built at Atkins Road. TD Bank has sponsored a series of rest stops.

Lorraine Brewster, manager for visitor services at CRD parks, said they plan to spread the fountains along the trail as best as possible, but there needs to be an existing waterline nearby.

B次元官网网址淲e really support this initiative,B次元官网网址� Brewster said. B次元官网网址淭his will really enhance the trail system for runners, walkers and bikers.B次元官网网址�

MacDonald said the fountains will be designed so people can easily fill water bottles and have a ground-level water dish for pets.

B次元官网网址淓verybody I talk to says this is a great idea,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淧eople love the trail system and support from folks is gratifying. Anyone who loves the trail system, runners, dog walkers, can help make this project work.B次元官网网址�

See for more information or to donate.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com