The province has posthumously awarded Squamish’s Dave Reid the Medal of Good Citizenship.
According to a Jan. 3rd news release, Reid and 20 others have been awarded the medal for their extraordinary contributions to community life.
Reid, who died in August 2022 in a kayak accident, was a huge trail builder in Squamish, known for his enthusiasm.
“Reid’s legacy unfolded over 15 years of voluntary dedication to trail building, crafting 18 exceptional mountain biking trails that form the core network in Squamish,” reads the release from the province. “Drawing more than one million trail enthusiasts annually, these trails contribute more than $10 million to Squamish’s economy. But Reid’s vision extended beyond biking, he uniquely sought to unite diverse trail communities—hikers, runners and dirt bikers—under a shared vision of a world-class trail network.”
Reid took on the roles of trail crew manager and lead builder for Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA) in 2019.
"He loved to share great outdoor experiences with people and help enable people to find great experiences," Jeff Norman, president of SORCA, told The Squamish Chief in August 2022. "He loved to do that. And … he was great at it."
Solana Green, co-owner at Capra Running, told The Chief in August 2022 that Reid believed the trails were for everyone.
"This town has so many great different sports in it," Green said at the time. "And sometimes people can be a little touchy when it comes to, you know, who's sharing the trails and how we're doing that. And Dave was the opposite. Dave wanted everyone to enjoy the trails."
The provincial government called Reid a “community weaver.”
“Trails, the veins of connection, were his medium,” reads the release. “Beyond being pathways for walking, hiking, running, skiing and biking, Reid recognized their profound role in uniting British Columbians. These trails were not just recreational, they were the meeting grounds after work, where stories were shared and connections deepened.”
Premier David Eby also noted the contributions of medal recipients.
"They have shown kindness and generosity while making sacrifices for the benefit of others. Their contributions serve as a reminder to all of what we can do in ways large and small to improve life for everyone."
For more information on the medals and their recipients, please visit the province’s website.
Post by SORCA in July of 2022, prior to Reid's passing:
