The Alberni Valley Chapter of the BCHBC was formed through the inspiration and leadership of Ann and Bob Collins of Arrowvale Farms. The Chapter has ranged in size each year from a few members to over 30 members.
The Alberni Valley
The Alberni Valley lies at the head of the Alberni Inlet, which opens into Barkley Sound and the west coast of Vancouver Island about 40 km away. The valley is made up of the Somass River watershed, which includes Sproat Lake, Great Central Lake, and several tributary rivers.
To the east, the Beaufort Range and Mount Arrowsmith separate the valley from watersheds flowing into the Strait of Georgia, which in some cases is less than 20 km away as the crow flies. To the west, just over 100 km away on Highway 4 and over Sutton Pass, lie Ucluelet, Tofino, and the beaches of the west coast of Vancouver Island.
The Port Alberni area is best known for its fisheries resources in the river systems and inlet, as well as its superb forests and logging and milling industries. To a lesser degree, farming in the valley has been important since the area was populated by Europeans in the mid-1850s. Some large farms remain active, along with an increasing number of smaller five- to 20-acre parcels owned by horse owners and riders.
The sheltered inlet and valley, rich in fish and seafood and with a temperate climate, have long been home to many Indigenous people, and this remains the case today.
Local Trails and Stewardship
There are many kilometres of beautiful trails in the valley for riding. The longest and best-known is the Log Train Trail, approximately 21 km long and publicly owned. The Alberni Valley Chapter takes a lead role, along with the local regional district, in keeping the trail clear and safe for riding.
Other trails on Crown lands, woodlots, and the community forest offer excellent opportunities for expanding the trail program in the future.
The biggest challenge with trails in the valley is that approximately 90% of the non-urban forest land is owned by private forest landowners. Much of this land was part of an Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway land grant in the early 1900s.
Gaining approval to use, develop, and maintain trails on these lands is difficult. Existing trails are being used, but the Chapter cannot advertise or encourage outside use without the landowners’ consent.
Equestrian Facilities
The Chapter has also worked with the Regional District to revitalize and support maintenance and safety improvements at the outdoor Evergreen Park horse-riding arena in Beaver Creek. This arena is well used by equestrians of all ages, other equestrian organizations, and members of the general public who are not part of BCHBC.
The Alberni Valley Chapter is fortunate to have access to some excellent riding and camping facilities established and maintained by BCHBC on the east side of Vancouver Island. Chapter members use and enjoy these facilities frequently.
Over the years, many members have also enjoyed BCHBC facilities on the mainland, often in conjunction with trips to Rendezvous.
Chapter History and Community
For many years, Alberni Valley Chapter members were a key part of the Beaufort Gang, which frequently staged mock robberies of the steam train as it transported visitors to MacLean Mill. On one occasion, they even robbed the entire RCMP detachment while its members were aboard the train for a social outing.
Looking to the Future
Another challenge facing the Chapter is its aging membership. Members are not short of enthusiasm, but they may sometimes be short of energy. The Chapter has made it a goal to recruit younger equestrians who can join and continue its good work.
Meetings and Updates
Under normal circumstances, the Chapter meets at various locations on the evening of the first Tuesday of each month.
